Condom Tips: A Complete Guide to Usage

Condom use is an important part of making sure that you and your partner stay safe, both physically and emotionally, when engaging in sexual activities. Not only are condoms an effective form of contraception, helping to prevent unintended pregnancies, but they are also a key tool for protecting you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To ensure that you get the maximum protection from a condom, it is important to keep some key tips in mind, such as:

Always go for condoms with European CE or UKCA marks

When it comes to purchasing condoms, it is of utmost importance to ensure that they feature either the European CE mark or the UKCA mark on the packaging. This is particularly vital as it indicates that the condoms have been rigorously tested to the highest safety specifications and are therefore suitable for use. It is also important to note that, when it comes to novelty condoms, they should only be used if they have the CE or UKCA mark featured on the product packaging; otherwise, it is advised to avoid using them.

Always double-check before using a condom

Before putting it on, check that the condom is not past its expiration date or damaged. Put on the condom by pinching the tip of the condom and rolling it down the erect penis. Make sure there are no air bubbles left at the end of the condom.

It is imperative to ensure that a condom is applied correctly at all times before any genital contact, including intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. Proper use of a condom is the only way to provide maximum protection from STIs as well as unwanted pregnancies. In order to make sure that the condom you have is safe to use, it is important to open the packet carefully, without trying to tear it with your teeth or fingernails.

As mentioned above, the correct way to put on a condom is to pinch the tip of the condom and roll it down the length of the erect penis. Apart from all that, it is important to make sure that there are no air bubbles left at the end of the condom.

Never fail to use a fresh condom

Whenever you engage in any kind of sexual activity, it is important to use a new condom each time. This is to ensure that the condom is not compromised by the friction caused during intercourse and is still able to provide the necessary protection against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

In fact, it is important to use a condom that is specifically manufactured for the type of sexual activity you are planning to engage in. For instance, if you are engaging in anal sex, a condom designed especially for the same purpose should be used.

Similarly, if you are engaging in oral sex, a flavored condom should be used. By taking these simple steps, you can have a great time in bed and significantly reduce the risk of contracting an STI or experiencing an unintended pregnancy.

Avoid using same condom all the while

Engaging in longer-than-usual intercourse can increase the risk of condom tearing or breakage. This is because the prolonged friction can cause the latex material to weaken and become more susceptible to damage. To minimize the chances of this occurring by accident, it is best to switch condoms after about 30 minutes of use.

Doing so helps to ensure that the condom maintains its integrity and remains intact for the duration of the encounter, thus providing the most effective protection against unintended pregnancy or the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, it is recommended that if you are engaging in a session of extended intercourse, you should switch condoms after approximately 30 minutes to ensure the best protection possible.

Never use two condoms together

Using two condoms at the same time is not recommended, as it can reduce the effectiveness of both condoms. This is because the two condoms can rub against each other, creating friction that can weaken them and make them more likely to tear or break. This increases the chances of an unintended pregnancy or the spread of STIs.

To ensure maximum protection, it is best to use just one condom at a time. Furthermore, if you want to be more protected, it is best to use a lubricant that is compatible with the kind of condoms you are using. This will help reduce friction and increase the effectiveness of the condom.

Also, make sure to check the expiration date on the condom packaging and use a new condom with each sexual encounter. Following these simple steps will help ensure that you are protected and reduce the chances of unintended pregnancy or the spread of STIs.

Don’t use lotion or oils with condoms

It is important to be aware that when using condoms, you should not use any oil-based products such as lotions, moisturizers, massage oils, body oils, lipsticks, or any other oils (such as petroleum jelly or Vaseline). 

These types of products can weaken the material that the condom is made from, making it less effective as a form of protection against sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies. In order to ensure maximum effectiveness, you can instead use a water-based lubricant such as K-Y Jelly (available at most pharmacies), particularly when engaging in anal sexual intercourse.

Be careful when shopping for condoms online

If you are looking to purchase condoms online, it is important to choose a website that is trustworthy and reliable. Also, you should always ensure that any condoms you purchase have the European CE mark or the UKCA mark on the packaging, as this indicates that the product has gone through the necessary safety checks and meets the European standards.

Apart from that, you should always check the use-by date on the packet before purchasing, as expired condoms can potentially put you at risk of a sexually transmitted infection, or STI.

Conclusion

Condoms are an important part of practicing safe sex. They provide a physical barrier between you and your partner to protect against unwanted pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. It is important to always use condoms that are certified with the European CE mark or UKCA mark, as these are held to the highest safety standards.

Whenever you have sex, make sure to use a new condom and check the expiration date on the packet. When using a condom, avoid using any lotions or oils, as these can weaken the condom and make it less effective. Finally, you must dispose of used condoms properly to avoid any risk of blockages in your plumbing and remain aware of other forms of contraception to reduce the risk of pregnancy.