Using condoms may seem like a no brainer at this point but are you actually doing it right? Research suggests you may not be. Researchers at the University of Indiana analyzed 50 studies on condom usage and after looking at 16 years worth of data, they found a whole host of mistakes. To make sure you aren't making one of these mistakes, have a look at this list of the
15 most common condom errors.
Late Application
Researchers found that between 17 percent and 51.1 percent of people reported putting on the condom after intercourse had already started. Not so helpful for STI prevention.
Early Removal
Between 13.6 percent and 44.7 percent reported removing the condom before intercourse had been concluded. Again, not so smart.
Completely Unrolling the Condom Prior to Application
Between 2.1 percent and 25.3 percent of respondents reported unrolling the condom before putting it on.
No Space At The Tip
You have to remember to leave room at the tip for the semen. 24.3 to 45.7 percent apparently forgot.
Failure To Remove Air
48.1 percent of women and 41.6 percent of men reported that they didn’t squeeze the air from the tip before use.
Inside Out Condoms
It was found that between 4 percent and 30.4 percent of participants had started to roll on the condom inside out, flipped it over and put it on properly. Not a good call. Doing so can expose her to his pre-ejaculatory fluids which can make her pregnant.
Failure To Completely Unroll The Condom Before Use
When considering their last sexual encounter, 11.2 percent of women and 8.8 percent of men reported that they had begun intercourse before the condom was unrolled all the way.
Exposure To Sharp Object
It was found that 2.1 percent and 11.2 percent of people opened the condom package with a sharp object.
Failure To Check For Damage
When removing the condom from the package, 82.7 percent of women and 74.5 percent of men reported that they fail to check for damage before use. What to look for: Make sure the wrapper isn’t worn down or ripped open, keep your eyes peeled for expired dates, and check for visible imperfections while unrolling. Totally useful information!
No Lubrication
Between 16 percent and 25.8 percent of people reported using condoms without lube. If you're having sex for a long period of time, the condom is more likely to tear without lubrication.
Lubrication Complications
Around 3.2 percent of women and 4.7 percent of men reported using an oil-based lube with a latex condom. That weakens the latex, which can make it prone to breakage.
Incorrect Withdrawal
Nearly 31 percent of men and 27 percent of women reported that after sex, they failed promptly and properly withdrawal after ejaculation.
Reusing A Condom
Between 1.4 percent and 3.3 percent of people reported using a condom more than once during a sexual encounter. That just sounds all sorts of wrong.
Incorrect Storage
Between 3.3 percent and 19.1 percent of the people in the studies stored their condoms in conditions that did not comply with the recommendations on the package. Avoid direct sunlight and your wallet. They can both degrade the latex.
Not Wearing One At All
Okay, so this one wasn't actually in the study but you have to admit, not using a condom is probably the biggest error you can make regarding said condom. According to the most recent National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, only 45 percent of men ages 18 to 24 used a condom with their last sexual partner. The numbers get worse as the age increases: Only 29.3 percent of men ages 25 to 34 used condoms and 21.3 percent of men between ages 35 and 44. Not good.
Have you made any of these errors? Hopefully we're all a little wiser now!
