Here’s how you can avoid a condom breaking when getting busy…
Anyone who’s been there knows that when a condom breaks, it not only puts the brakes on your romantic sexual encounter, it can also be a concern from a safety point of view.
There are a number of reasons why your condom may break pre- or mid-sex. But, to get an understanding of how to help prevent breakages, we first to need to look at why condoms break in the first place.
So, what exactly can go wrong? What can cause those unfortunate splits and tears? Here is what you need to know about why condoms break.
HOW OFTEN DO CONDOMS BREAK?
Condoms are designed and quality tested to remain intact during intercourse, regardless of how rigorous your session gets. They are made of rubber latex or a non-latex equivalent such as polyisoprene. These materials are designed to prevent pregnancy and STI’s.
Condoms can split if they are not used correctly or if the condom is not worn safely and in line with the pack instructions.
WHY DO CONDOMS SPLIT OR BREAK?
There are several reasons why a condom may break, the most common causes are:
- The condom has expired
- The condom hasn’t been stored appropriately
- The condom is the wrong size
- The condom wasn’t opened carefully
- The condom wasn’t put on correctly
1. THE CONDOM HAS EXPIRED
If you’re in the moment and the only condom you can find is the one you forgot about, stuffed at the back of your drawer, make sure you check the expiration date before use.
We know it’s the last thing you want to think about in the heat of the moment, but expiration dates are there for a reason. You might not want to put your sexual health in the hands of an out-of-date condom, as old condoms are more likely to break.
Condoms tend to have a shelf life of 3-5 years dependent on the material of the condom. Once the condom reaches its expiry date, it won’t be as effective.
2. THE CONDOM HASN’T BEEN STORED APPROPRIATELY
Your condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place. Leaving them stashed in a hot car or on your bedside table in direct sunlight, can leave the material susceptible to degradation.
To ensure they’re well protected, find a place in your living space where you can keep your condoms safely tucked away. If you decide to keep one in your wallet, the friction from opening and closing the wallet can cause deterioration of the condom, so be sure to keep that in mind.
3. THE CONDOM IS THE WRONG SIZE
Just like your favourite pair of trainers, condoms come in a variety of fits to help make them fit more comfortably. If you need a slightly wider condom, for example, you may want to try Durex Comfort XL Condoms.
A condom will not be effective if it’s too loose or too tight because it could slide off or split. Want help finding the perfect condom for you? Head over and explore our condom buying guide which has everything you need to know when it comes to width, thinness and lubrication.
4. THE CONDOM WASN’T OPENED CAREFULLY
This might be a no-brainer, but condom wrappers were not designed to be opened with your teeth, and don’t go attacking it with a pair of scissors either, no matter how excited you are to get the condom on.
Avoid tears or rips by opening the condom carefully according to the pack instructions. Simply open the pack by pulling the serrated edge. If the condom does rip or become damaged whilst opening the pack, simply throw the condom away and start again with a new one.
5. THE CONDOM WASN’T PUT ON CORRECTLY
A condom won’t be effective if it hasn’t been put on the right way. Taking your time to put on a condom properly is essential to help reduce any tears or slippages. And, it’s not recommended to put a condom on in the dark - you need to be able to see what you’re working with.
To put a condom on correctly, start by squeezing the tip with the forefinger and thumb of one hand so there’s no air trapped inside and then roll down gently with your other hand.
If you’re nervous or excited and have shaky hands (it happens to the best of us) you can get your partner to help.
