10 ways to prevent condom 'accidents'

The effectiveness of condoms in preventing pregnancy and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases will be reduced if the product is torn, expired or used incorrectly.

Studies have shown that even with typical condom use, condom failure rates are as high as 14%. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), condom failure rates are as high as 13% with typical use. This means that for every 100 couples who use condoms alone for birth control, 13 will become pregnant after a year.

However, if condoms are used correctly every time they have sex, they are up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and have a failure rate of just under 2%.

Using condoms correctly is not only during sexual intercourse, but also from the moment of purchasing the condom until it is discarded. Therefore, men should note the following 10 things to avoid condoms being damaged, torn, and not being effective during use.

Choose the right size

To buy the right size condom, measure the length of your erect penis. This will help men ensure they are buying the right length, width and girth. You can compare these measurements to the size chart on the condom box.

Choose major brands that offer a wide variety of styles and sizes, making it easier to find the one that best fits you.

Use the right lubricant

Always use a water-based or silicone-based lubricant with condoms. Do not use oil-based lubricants, including baby oil or coconut oil, as they can damage the condom and increase the risk of it breaking.

Do not use lambskin condoms if you want to prevent sexually transmitted diseases as they are not effective in this.

Using condoms incorrectly reduces the effectiveness of contraception and increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Photo: Verywell Health — Using condoms incorrectly reduces the effectiveness of contraception and increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Photo: *Verywell Health*

Store at the correct temperature

Condoms should not be stored at temperatures above 37.7°C or below 0°C. Avoid direct sunlight and do not store in car drawers.

Check the expiry date

The product will not be effective if it has passed its expiry date. So if the condom has expired, throw it away.

Remove from pouch carefully.

Pulling or tearing the packaging too hard can cause the condom to tear. To avoid this, use nail scissors. You can even take the condom out before intercourse and place it next to the bed or another safe place nearby.

Wear it correctly

Know which side of the condom is up and how to roll it up correctly. Don’t wait until the last minute to learn how to use a condom. You can practice alone or with a partner right before sex.

Use personal lubricant

Condoms can tear if there is a lot of friction during intercourse. Men can avoid this by using plenty of lubricant. If necessary, pull out to reapply lubricant. This is especially important if you or your partner have vaginal or penile piercings.

Remove immediately after ejaculation

If the condom is not removed immediately, the penis may shrink and the condom may slip off, spilling semen into the vagina. After ejaculation, carefully pull out and remove the condom. Tie it to prevent semen from spilling out and throw it away.

Do not reuse

Used condoms should not be reused as they are more likely to break.

Use regularly

You can't tell if someone has an STI. Without a condom, men can wait until later or practice safer sex.

Mr. Ngoc (According to Verywell Health )

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