Top questions answered about condoms

The use of condoms is one of the most effective methods for safe sex, considering that it provides good protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) and prevents pregnancy. However, many doubts can arise about the use of the male condom. We answer the main ones, check it out!

We answer questions about condom use. How to use condoms; what to do if a condom breaks and more!

1 - Do condoms really protect? How effective is it?

Yes. If used correctly, condoms protect against STDs and unexpected pregnancy with high effectiveness, around 97%.

2 - Can you use expired condoms?

No. No expired product can be used, the same goes for condoms. There is no way to guarantee that an out-of-date condom provides the same protection. And to keep the condom in good condition, even if it's still expired, store it in a cool place, away from heat and direct sunlight.

3 - How to put the condom correctly?

  1. Carefully open the package. Do not use teeth or scissors to avoid damaging the condom;
  2. With the erect penis, squeeze the end of the condom to leave a space left and no air at the end. Position it on the glans and unroll it to the base of the penis. Release the tip only after it has unrolled;
  3. If you are going to use a lubricant, it must be water-based. Do not use mineral oil, Vaseline or any other oil;
  4. After ejaculating and with the penis still hard, remove the condom;
  5. Tie a knot in the condom and discard it;

4 - Perforated condom... Can it happen?

Yes. However, a leaky condom is an uncommon occurrence. But to ensure that the condom does not burst, it must be correctly placed on the penis, respecting the airless space that must be at the tip. Also, to avoid a leaky condom, do not use the expired condom, do not open the package with your teeth, scissors or any other object and, again, do not leave it exposed to the sun and in very hot places.

5 - How to know if the condom broke after sex?

If this doubt arises, just fill the condom with water, as if it were a balloon, and observe if the water will leak. If so, then yes, the condom broke.

6 - The condom broke... What to do?

Women have the option of taking the morning-after pill after sex, so it is ideal that they consult a gynecologist beforehand, so that they can be prescribing the medication. The morning after pill has a high load of a certain hormone, which creates an environment in the uterus that is unsuitable for fertilization. The sooner it is taken, the greater its effectiveness. The ideal is to take it up to 12 hours after sexual intercourse.

In the case of STD's, if one of the partners is not sure about their health, the ideal is to consult with the doctor to be able to carry out the appropriate tests, in case the condom has burst.

7 - Can condoms take away sensitivity?

Yes, in parts. Many men report that sensitivity decreases a little with condom use. This has to do with the thickness of the condom material, the thicker the thickness, the less sensitivity and vice versa. To get around this, there are thinner condoms like the sensitive condom from Jontex, which is thinner, or the skin-to-skin condom from the same brand, which allows the exchange of heat between partners, which can increase arousal.

However, decreasing the sensitivity of the tip of the penis a little is not all bad, as this allows you to better contain ejaculation and last longer in sex.

8 - Can you use two condoms together at once?

Some men consider using two condoms together, either to increase protection or to give the impression of a thicker penis. In fact, none of the justifications holds up, since condoms were designed to be used individually, only one provides sufficient protection. Also, trying to put one condom on top of another can end up tearing one, or they can come off the penis more easily.

On the matter of increasing the sensation of having a thicker penis, the perception isn't all that significant. What you can do in this regard is to practice some natural methods to increase the erection and consequently the thickness of the penis, or simply use a thicker condom.

9 - Can you reuse the condom?

There are men who believe that condoms can be washed after sex and used again. If this has crossed your mind, know that the right thing to do is to discard after using.

The condom is designed to be used only once and should not be reused under any circumstances, as the risk of causing an infection with an already used condom is increased. Furthermore, washing would remove the lubrication from it, and the safety parameters would not be guaranteed with reuse.

10 - Can you keep the condom already open to use hours or days later?

This type of situation is common and so is the doubt about it. Sometimes we are ready for sex but something unexpected happens and it has to wait. However, the condom had already been removed from the packaging. What to do now?

The most correct answer is: Discard it, do not try to pack it again! And then, when you can pick up where you left off, open another condom. The condom is packaged at the factory in a clean, controlled environment. Keeping it already open is not a correct attitude, as it can pick up dust, microorganisms and even dry the material.

These were the most pertinent doubts about the condom. Following the correct usage guidelines makes sexual experiences much healthier and makes you more confident to enjoy sex even more.