Plastic condoms break more often than latex; using a water- or silicone-based lubricant can help prevent breakage. Condoms made from synthetic rubber (such as polyisoprene condoms) protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
Condoms with spermicide
Some condoms come with spermicide on them. You should avoid using this type, or using spermicide as a lubricant, as it does not protect against STIs and may increase your risk of infection.
Thankfully, thin condoms are no more likely to break than standard condoms, and they undergo rigorous testing to make sure. Generally speaking, thin condoms are made from the same durable latex material as standard condoms, just thinner by design.
No one type of condom is necessarily better than another. Both Durex and Trojan offer a wide variety of safe and effective condoms that are reliable and well-tested.
It's conclusion? "Conclusion: Breakage and slippage rates were low for both condom types. There is no evidence from the present investigation to support the use of stronger (thicker) condoms over standard strength condoms among gay men. The appropriate use of additional lubricant should be encouraged."
Of these, 402 men reported using 13,691 condoms for vaginal or anal intercourse; 7.3% reportedly broke during application or use and 4.4% slipped off.
Plastic condoms break more often than latex; using a water- or silicone-based lubricant can help prevent breakage. Condoms made from synthetic rubber (such as polyisoprene condoms) protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
Heat, sun, oils, and chemicals all can weaken condoms, making them more susceptible to breakage. Keep condoms away from heat and light, which can dry them out. And, don't use oils or lotions with a condom, only water-based lubricants.
Some of the most frequent mistakes include putting a condom on partway through intercourse or taking it off before intercourse is over, failing to leave space at the tip of the condom for semen, and failing to look for damage before use.
It's best to keep condoms in a cool dark place, like your bedside table or in your wallet or purse. Condoms don't like extreme cold or heat. So, don't put them in the fridge, and keep them out of the sun. Don't keep them with your keys either.
Condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy with perfect use. Contraceptive pills are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy with perfect use.
A condom that is too small will feel too tight and has a higher chance of breaking. A condom that is too big could potentially fall off during sex and/or leak. Always make sure to check that the condom you're using with your partner is the right fit, for protection and pleasure.
In all, 2% of condoms broke during intercourse, and 1% slipped (the study did not differentiate between partial and complete slippage). Other problems with condoms (e.g., they were not used throughout intercourse) occurred in fewer than 1% of acts of intercourse.
But people aren't perfect, so in real life condoms are about 87% effective — that means about 13 out of 100 people who use condoms as their only birth control method will get pregnant each year.
As you roll the condom on, pinch the tip with two of your fingers. This makes sure there's plenty of room for ejaculate (or come/cum). If you don't pinch the tip, the condom can break when you have an orgasm. We go into more detail about how to put on a condom here.
Latex condoms can be used safely in the shower or pool and water will not affect the strength of the latex. However, you must remember not to use an oil based lubricant or to use bath/shower items like gels and soaps because they can weaken the condom.
As a matter of fact, Durex condoms have low rate when it comes to breaking. The break might be an outcome of improper use. So early prevention is vital to ensure contraception.
Condoms can come off during sex if they're not the right size or not put on properly. Your boyfriend should pick the size and brand that fits most comfortably and snugly. When putting on the condom, roll it all the way down your boyfriend's erect penis, not just part of the way.
Most condoms are longer than they need to be. If a person finds that there is too much roll at the base, they may need a snugger fit. If there is no roll left, they will require a larger condom. Girth is more important than length for condom fit, with girth being the thickest part of the erect penis.
They must be used correctly and must be used every time you have sex. But even when used correctly, condoms do not protect against infections spread from sores on the skin (such as genital herpes ) not covered by a condom.
The most effective form of birth control is to not have sexual intercourse (abstinence). Even for the most motivated couples, this can be difficult to maintain. So, it's important to have a backup form of birth control in mind. Birth control only works when you use it correctly and consistently.
The kinds of birth control that work the best to prevent pregnancy are the implant and IUDs — they're also the most convenient to use, and the most foolproof. Other birth control methods, like the pill, ring, patch, and shot, are also really good at preventing pregnancy if you use them perfectly.
Using two condoms can cause friction between them, weakening the material and increasing the chance that the condoms might break. No other method of birth control is as successful at protecting people against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as a condom.
In short, you don't have to use condoms, but they may give you the protection (and peace of mind) that will help to make your first time as wonderful as you hope it will be.