{"id":14647,"date":"2016-04-26T18:33:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-26T10:33:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=14647"},"modified":"2026-03-14T05:31:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T04:31:34","slug":"15-common-mistakes-that-make-condoms-less-effective","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/15-common-mistakes-that-make-condoms-less-effective\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Common Mistakes that Make Condoms Less Effective"},"content":{"rendered":"

What good is using a seatbelt if you don\u2019t put it on correctly, or a helmet that doesn\u2019t fit? Similarly, what is the point of using a condom if you aren\u2019t using it correctly? When perfectly used, a male condom<\/a> is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, but typical usage errors make that number drop down to 85%!<\/p>\n

Here are 15 of the most common mistakes that are made when using a condom and how you can avoid them for safer, worry-free pleasure.<\/p>\n

1. One Size Does Not Fit All<\/h2>\n

Just as an ill-fitting pair of shoes causes pain, so will too small a condom. (It\u2019s worth noting that, despite \u2018condom challenges,\u2019 it can be uncomfortable to wear something that restricts blood too tightly on the penis, especially for an extended period of time).<\/p>\n

Too large, and you\u2019re likely to see slipping and leakage. Many men who find the first standard condoms they try uncomfortable automatically try the most well-known \u2018XL\u2019 condom brand, find them too big, and thus assume that condoms just don\u2019t fit them. Rest assured, that brands and ranges vary when it comes to sizing, so they best bet (and most fun, in our opinion) is\u00a0 to try as many different ones you can and find what suits you best.<\/p>\n

2. Timing Is Everything<\/h2>\n

The function of a condom is not simply to contain seminal fluid; it also acts as a barrier to pre-ejaculate as well as protects the sensitive mucus membrane of the user and their partner from passing bacteria and causing infections<\/a>. Therefore, it doesn\u2019t make sense to wait until after penetration or \u2018rubbing\u2019 to put the condom on; it should be put on before any genital to genital contact.<\/p>\n

3. The Perfect Host<\/h2>\n

Do you always keep a bottle of wine in the cupboard or a case of beer in the fridge, just in case? This should be your policy\u2015always keep a pack in your bedside drawer. Don\u2019t wait until you have one left to restock either, because that leaves you out of luck if you\u2019d like to have morning sex or <\/em>if it breaks while you\u2019re putting it on.<\/p>\n

4. A Slip of the Tongue<\/h2>\n

Oral sex may not result in pregnancy, but it can lead to STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)<\/a>. It can be worn during a blow job, or turned into a dental dam while performing cunnilingus by cutting the tip and base off, then cutting length-wise to form a rectangular sheet.<\/p>\n

5. Not for Your Pocket<\/h2>\n

Condoms can last a quite a while\u2026provided you store them under the right conditions. Keeping acondom in a wallet (assuming you put said wallet in your back pocket) for any extended amount of time is generally a bad idea due to the heat from your body as you sit, as well as the wear it may face from your movements. It\u2019s best that everyone\u2015ladies and gents\u2015make sure to keep some in their bedside table and away from heat, light and moisture.<\/p>\n

6. Expired Aspirations<\/h2>\n

There are generally two types of people\u2015those who throw food away the second it hits its expiry date and those who view \u2018best before\u2019 as a suggestion. We feel it doesn\u2019t bear explanation which attitude you should adopt when it comes to the (quite generous) expiry dates on condoms.<\/p>\n

7. A Trained Eye<\/h2>\n

While it\u2019s easy to get caught up in a heated rush, it pays to take pause and make sure the condom has not been damaged during opening by a nail passing by, ring, etc. Why not have your partner assist in giving a thorough, sensual inspection?<\/p>\n

8. Smooth as Silk
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Most condoms come pre-lubricated, but both you and your partner may appreciate a little more applied within and outside. If doing so, don\u2019t go crazy and make the inside too slick or you may encounter slippage. As well, make sure to stick to water-based lubricants<\/a>\u00a0 as oil-based ones will degrade the latex.<\/p>\n

9. Right-Side Up<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s a classic mistake: trying to unroll the condom over the penis, only to realize you had it upside-down. While you may be tempted to quickly flip it over, even that brief contact with pre-ejaculate requires that you get a fresh condom. To avoid in future, try unrolling it slightly with your fingers first.<\/p>\n

10. Going All the Way<\/h2>\n

When you unroll a condom along the shaft, it must be completely unrolled to the very end. The base of the condom should reach that of the penis to prevent the condom becoming stuck within your partner.<\/p>\n

11. Over Prepared<\/h2>\n

Condoms are designed to be unrolled along erect penises, thus attempting to unroll a condom first, then put it on will result in difficulty that will cancel out any time you thought you were saving.<\/p>\n

12. Under Pressure<\/h2>\n

When you\u2019re putting a condom on, it\u2019s important that you squeeze the tip to keep air from getting trapped. Much like over-filling a balloon, if there is air in the reservoir tip, it may burst.<\/p>\n

13. Being Mouthy<\/h2>\n

In the heat of the moment, when your hands may be sweaty or have lubricant on them, it may seem easier to tear open a condom with your mouth rather than using your hands. However, condom packaging is designed to be opened with your hands and only your hands; you risk tearing the condom if you use your teeth or any other sharp object.<\/p>\n

14. Twice Unlucky<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately for everyone hoping to reduce and reuse, you absolutely cannot reuse a condom. Firstly, if you penetrate a new partner with a condom that has been in another (such as during a threesome<\/a>) you are defeating the intended purpose of stopping the spread of bacteria. If you\u2019ve already come and would like to go for round two, you run the risk of overflowing and straining the strength of the latex.<\/p>\n

15. Slow to Retreat<\/h2>\n

The sweet embrace you share with your partner upon orgasm is a moment to be cherished, however it is not advisable to rest within each other for too long when using a condom. As the wearer loses their erection, the liquid may leak and it is possible that the condoms can get \u2018stuck\u2019 when they try to withdraw.<\/p>\n

Everything Is Better Than Nothing<\/h2>\n

The worst mistake is obviously that of not using a condom at all, either when relying on condoms as a primary method of contraception, or when with a new partner (which includes when in an open relationship<\/a>).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Enjoy 15% off LELO.com<\/a> with code VOLONTE15<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What good is using a seatbelt if you don\u2019t put it on correctly, or a helmet that doesn\u2019t fit? Similarly, what is the point of using a condom if you aren\u2019t using it correctly? When perfectly used, a male condom is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, but typical usage errors make that number drop down to 85%! Here are 15 of the most common mistakes that are made when using a condom and how you can avoid them for safer, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":14650,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[788,749],"coauthors":[950],"class_list":["post-14647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sexual-health","tag-condom","tag-safe-sex"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Use a Condom Without Making these Common Mistakes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Perfect use of a male condom may 98% effective, but these 15 common use errors make that number drop down to 85%! 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