Condoms are a great tool for birth control and protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). But even the best condoms can break.
Understanding what causes a condom to break can help you avoid the disappointment and embarrassment of your favorite rubber ring falling apart in mid-intercourse. Here are the top reasons that condoms break:.
Excessive Heat
It’s a horrible feeling when your condom breaks during sex. You’ve put in all the preparations and rehearsed what you’re going to do, and that one snap leaves you exposed to pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
Unfortunately, condoms can break for a variety of reasons. In a few cases, it might be out of your control. But there are many ways to prevent a condom from breaking.
One of the most common causes for condoms to break is excessive heat. When they are stored in hot or warm places for too long, like in your wallet or pocket, the temperature changes can cause a condom to weaken or dry out. This makes it more likely to break during use, especially if you are ejaculating.
Other factors that can lead to condom breakage include using oil-based lubricants, which degrade latex condoms, and improper storage. The best way to avoid condom breakage is to use a lubricant that is safe for condoms and never store them in hot or warm environments.
If you’re experiencing a condom break, don’t panic. Just make sure the other person is aware of the issue and try to avoid any further contact with semen. You should also see your doctor if you think you have a STI or you are pregnant, as soon as possible, so they can do a full sexual health screening.
Too Much Friction
A condom may rip during use due to too much friction between the condom and the woman’s vagina or anus. Oftentimes, it’s hard to tell when a condom breaks and sometimes both partners don’t realize until after intercourse (or post-ejaculation). This can leave them vulnerable to pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, so it’s important that both people carefully insert and remove the latex device properly each time they use it.
Friction also increases when the wrong lubrication is used. Avoid using oil lubricants like coconut oil, massage oils or body lotion as they can degrade the latex material of the condom and cause a break. Instead, use water or silicone-based lubricants.
A condom’s expiration date can also be a factor in its breakability. Condoms that are near or past their expiration date tend to lose elasticity and are more likely to break. Always check the expiration date on the package before buying and be sure to purchase fresh, unopened packages that are sealed in their original packaging.
Not Enough Lubrication
The condom’s lubrication is essential for smooth sliding during anal and vaginal sex. The lubrication helps prevent friction between the genitals and the condom, which can cause it to break. The majority of prophylactics come pre-lubricated, but this isn’t always enough to avoid friction. To combat this, it’s a good idea to invest in a condom-compatible lubricant like a silicone or water based lube.
Not only does using lube increase the chances of a successful use, but it can also make sex more pleasurable for both partners. When used correctly, lube can help prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If your condom breaks during sex, don’t panic. It may just be a matter of bad luck, but there are some logistical reasons it happened that can be fixed.
For example, if your condom broke when you were using it for oral sex and didn’t catch any semen, the condom could have been damaged by your teeth or scissors while trying to open it. This is why it’s important to never use your teeth or scissors to open a pack of condoms. You should also keep your condoms in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat, like the bathroom cabinet or nightstand. This will reduce their susceptibility to heat, cold and friction. Also, if you’ve been using the same size condom and have experienced multiple breakages, try a different size or a different type of condom.
Poor Storage
If you’re not careful to store, put on and use condoms correctly, they can break. Some reasons for breakage are common sense and may seem obvious, like heat, friction or not enough lubrication. But other reasons aren’t as obvious, such as using the wrong type of lubricant or opening the wrapper improperly. To help prevent condom breakage, always keep three unexpired condoms on hand in a cool, dry spot and make sure you’re using the right type and amount of lubricant.
It’s also important to remember that using a condom doesn’t guarantee protection from sexually transmitted diseases, even if it breaks during sex. This is because sexual fluids (including blood, pre-ejaculate secretions and semen) can still transmit bacteria and viruses. So, if you or your partner experience pain during sex or a sore, itchy or smelly penis afterward, get tested as soon as possible.
If you can’t find a test near you, visit a local health clinic or pharmacy that sells condoms. Alternatively, you can also purchase and ship condoms online at places like Lucky Bloke, Condomania and Condom Jungle. If you’re having trouble finding a condom that fits, try a smaller size or a softer material. And make sure you’re using the correct technique: pinch the tip with your fingers when you put it on to create a reservoir and give it a good grip.