Can you get pregnant while having sex with a condom? Should I use it during a blowjob? What about cunnilingus? Not very sexy questions, but you need to know the answers to them!
You may think that condoms are a reliable protector against all infections and an experienced goalkeeper, blocking every sperm that tries to make you pregnant. But the truth is that although condoms are the best barrier to contraception, they are not 100% effective.
It’s time to mention here that nothing can protect you from STDs and pregnancy with a 100% guarantee if you have a vagina and have sex with a partner who has a penis. Except, of course, not having sex. But you’re definitely going to do it, right? So let’s continue!
So, here are some possible mistakes when using condoms that you should definitely be aware of.
Mistake 1: Assuming that condoms are 100% effective
Condoms are a great method of contraception, but they are not perfect. Studies show that condoms protect against pregnancy by 98% only when used “perfectly”. If, when using them, you and the guy make mistakes, then the effectiveness will be only 82%.
This means that 8 out of 100 people will get pregnant with normal condom use, while only 2 out of 100 would get pregnant with ideal use. % – at ideal.
If you don’t want a baby right now, then gynecologists recommend using condoms in tandem with another form of contraception, such as pills or an intrauterine device.
Mistake 2: Not getting tested for STDs because you use condoms
Condoms offer the greatest protection against infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis A and B, and HIV, but are not always a barrier to other STDs. Why? The fact is that some diseases are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and condoms do not cover the entire pubic area.
Here are some diseases that can be contracted even with the perfect use of a condom:
- Herpes – can appear on areas of the skin that the condom does not cover. If you come into contact with such a site (by the way, it will not necessarily be noticeable – there may not be ulcers), the virus will be transmitted;
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STD that can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact (even if the person does not have symptoms such as genital warts).
- Molluscum contagiosum This little-known infection causes tiny, hemispherical bumps on the skin that can itch. Such formations can occur on any part of the body, including the genitals.
- Syphilis – if your partner has chancres (hard sores) that the condom does not cover, the infection can be passed on to you. These ulcers can also be in the mouth, so the chances of contracting syphilis during unprotected oral sex are very real.
This doesn’t mean you have to say “Fuck it!” and forget about condoms. They are still the best defense against STDs. Just remember that it’s important to keep an eye out for strange symptoms, and even if you don’t have them, get tested regularly, as many infections can go unnoticed.
Mistake 3: Reusing a condom
It may seem that this is utter nonsense: well, who can come up with such a thing? But just in case, we have to say: some wash and reuse condoms. If you meet such a guy, first explain to him that you can’t do this, and then run!
Mistake 4: Using a Condom That Doesn’t Fit
Penises come in many shapes and sizes, just like condoms. If the condom is chosen incorrectly, this can negate the entire effect of its use. A condom that is too small can break, and a condom that is too large can slip off. If you see that your boyfriend is pulling on a product that is clearly bought because of the inscription “king size”, tell him about it. Yes, it will be an awkward conversation, but your safety is more important.
Mistake 5: Keeping a condom in your wallet
This is a very bad idea. If a guy pulled a condom out of his wallet, take it away and throw it away. It seems like a convenient move (after all, we always have a wallet with us), but such a storage place is not good for condoms: there is too much friction and temperature changes (after all, it is not uncommon for a wallet to be put in a back pocket and sit on it).
Mistake 6: not inspecting the condom and its packaging
It’s not very romantic to suddenly stop and start looking at the condom. But this does not take 10 minutes, and you should not climb behind a magnifying glass either. But spending ten seconds for your own safety will not be superfluous.
When you check if the package is intact, then pay attention to the expiration date: it is indicated for a reason. Some condoms contain spermicide or other ingredients that break down over time and stop working. Once a condom has expired, it will no longer be safe or effective.
Mistake 7: Putting on the wrong side of the condom
The rolled-up edge of the condom should be on top: you will understand that everything is correct if the condom does not resist unfolding over the penis. If you notice that you have mixed up the side, then do not try to put on a condom again – take another one, and discard the first, spoiled one.
Mistake 8: Not using a condom at the start of sex
Why this is bad for infections, we won’t even explain – it’s so obvious. But once again we want to remind you: you can get pregnant even before the guy had an ejaculation. In the pre-seminal fluid, which is very small and which is usually not paid attention to, there may well be viable spermatozoa.
Mistake 9: Forgetting to “Pinch” the End of a Condom
This little “reservoir” at the top of the condom serves a purpose: it’s designed to collect semen. If you skip this step, the pressure may cause semen to leak out of the base of the condom.
Mistake 10: Use two condoms
It will not provide any additional security. On the contrary, the friction of the condoms against each other increases the likelihood that each of them will break.
Mistake 11: Use “natural” condoms instead of latex ones
Some people are allergic to latex condoms, so they can try sheepskin condoms and various natural ingredients. However, these “natural” products are more porous than latex products and therefore less effective against STDs. It is better to look at other materials, such as polyurethane.
Mistake 12: Not changing condoms often enough
Are you switching from anal or oral sex to vaginal sex? Has your lover ejaculated but is ready to continue for some more time? Do you use the same sex toy? All this is a reason to change the condom.
Mistake 13: Your partner doesn’t pull his cock out of the vagina immediately after ejaculation
Have you ever hugged your lover after orgasm while his penis was inside you? Doing so is not worth it: the condom can slip off the limp penis. The main thing is to remove the condom, and then move on to tenderness.
Mistake 14: Not using lube
If the friction is too strong, or you and your partner change positions often, there is a chance that the condom will break. Make sure you have enough lube (your own or from a tube) to avoid this problem.
Mistake 15: Using the wrong type of lubricant
For latex condoms, water-based or silicone-based lubricants are suitable, but not oil-based. Also, do not use lotions, massage oils, or petroleum jelly as a lubricant: the substances contained in these products can destroy the latex.
Mistake 16: You don’t have your own supply of condoms
There are advantages to having your own box of condoms: you don’t have to rely on a partner. In addition, it is useful to have a spare in case the lover does not have it.
Mistake 17: Not using a condom during oral sex
During oral sex, you can get STDs, so it makes sense that a condom for a blowjob is also necessary. For cunnilingus, you can use special latex napkins, and if they are not available, you can make them yourself by cutting the condom.
Mistake 18: You never thought about using an internal condom
Internal condoms have come a long way in their development and are worth a try. They are especially good if you yourself want to control contraception, or if your partner does not like conventional condoms. At first, “female” condoms may seem bulky, but with time and practice, most girls get used to inserting them.
Do you want to know more about contraception? Read what means people used in the past, how myths about protection prevent us from living now, and what methods are better not to even try.
Editorial Team
