A group of researchers from four different universities took on a daunting task: they analyzed 50 separate studies on condom usage conducted over the past 16 years. The result of their work is a list of 15 common condom mistakes. Avoiding these mistakes will directly lead to safer and, ultimately, more enjoyable sex.
Not Using the Condom Right from the Start
You might be surprised to find out that as much as 51.1 percent of people admitted that they often put the condom on only after they sense that ejaculation is right around the corner. Not only does this greatly reduce the effectiveness of the condom as a method of preventing pregnancy, but it exposes both partners to sexually transmitted diseases due to direct contact of skin and pre-ejaculatory fluid.
Not Keeping the Condom Until the Very End
It’s really mind boggling that between 13.6 percent and 44.7 percent of the respondents failed to keep the condom on until the very end. Why? Mostly because they had problems maintaining erection while wearing the condom.
Not Leaving Any Space at the Tip
If you don’t leave any space at the tip of the condom, the semen might leak out through the bottom, because it doesn’t have anywhere else to go. Remember to always leave space at the tip to avoid making the same mistake as 24.3 to 45.7 percent of the respondents.
Not Squeezing the Air from the Tip
Besides leaving some space for ejaculation, it’s also recommended to squeeze the air from the tip of the condom to minimize the risk of breakage. At least it was for 48.1 percent of women and 41.6 percent of men who reported that they didn’t do so the last time they had sex.
Placing the Condom Inside Out and then Flipping it Over to Use
Did this happened on you when you used condom for the first time? No wonder that between 4 percent and 30.4 percent of participants have put on the condom with the wrong side. But how to tell if a condom is inside out? You should always check if the ring is at the outside before applying. If it is really inside out, you will find it difficult to roll down and cannot go all the way down to the base of the penis.
Unrolling the Condom All the Way
Would you believe that between 8.8 percent of men and 11.2 percent of women didn’t unroll the condom all the way before starting their intercourse? We couldn’t believe it either. You should always unroll the condom as far as possible to get full protection.
Exposing the Condom to Sharp Objects
Between 2.1 percent and 11.2 percent of people open condoms with sharp objects such as your teeth and scissors. We get it: it can be hard to open the package, especially when your hands are, well, slippery. But chances are that there is a small cut out on the package that’s designed to help you open it easier, so use it to your advantage and don’t risk piercing the condom. The best way to do it is to push it away from the corner you are going to tear.
Not Checking for Damage or Expire Date Before Using
Always inspect the condom for any visible signs of damage without unrolling it, as 82.7 percent of women and 74.5 percent of men didn’t do so before using a condom. Besides, always check the condom expire date on the package as well, just same as what you do to packaged food, which can keep you healthy.
Not Using Extra Lubrication
Yes, it’s true that most condoms come pre-lubricated, but extra lubrication can help to reduce the friction on the surface of the condom and lower the chance of breakage. Results reported that 16.0 percent to 25.8 percent of people do not have this habit of using condom with lubrication.
Using the Wrong Kind of Lubrication
If you are using a latex condom, remember to use only water or silicone-based lube. Do not use oil based lubricants such as baby oil or massage oil because it will weaken the latex material and damage the condom. Around 3.2 percent of women and 4.7 percent of men have made this mistake.
Using the Same Condom Multiple Times
According to statistics, between 1.4 percent and 3.3 percent use the same condom multiple times before they throw it away. Now we want to throw up.
Not Immediately Withdrawing After Ejaculation
Post-ejaculation cuddling may feel nice, but it also increases the chance of the guy going soft and the condom slipping out or causing leakage. Don’t do the same mistake as 31 percent of men and 27 percent of women who reported that they just can’t skip the snuggle.
Incorrect Withdrawal
When you withdraw your penis, remember to do it when you are still erected and hold the base of the condom so that the fluids and sperm won’t leak out. Only take the condom off when your penis are completely out of the vagina. Around half of the people being interviewed didn’t do this correctly.
Not Storing Condoms Properly
Studies have found out that between 3.3 percent and 19.1 percent of people store condoms not according with the instruction written on the package. Your wallet or pocket is really not the best place for a long-term storage due to the heat and frequent bending which might deteriorate the condom. The best place to store your condom is a dry and cool place.
Disregarding Condoms Altogether
Figures from the recent National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior shows that only 45 percent of men ages 18 to 24 used a condom with their last sexual partner. The number goes down even further to 21.3 percent for men between ages 35 and 44. If you have bad experiences with condoms before, whatever reasons that stopped you from using one. Try to have a look at our condom size chart, there a plenty of condom choices that I am sure you can pick one that best fit you. Again, the biggest mistake you will ever make is not using a condom at all which expose yourself with zero protection!