Condoms. Dealing with Troubles

Jun 28, 2007

In the vast majority of cases use of condoms does not cause any difficulties. Usually troubles that occur (mainly this is breakage of the condom, its slipping off the penis or some difficulties with erection) are caused by improper use of this contraceptive.

Below you will find some tips that will help you to use condoms comfortably and safely.

Breakage

The condom might break because of being improperly used or stored. Often this trouble happens to unexperienced men, that is why young men before having their first sex are recommended to masturbate with a condom on in order to get used to condoms. Also there are some tips, that, if followed will prevent breakage of the condom in future.

Use the right lubricant. Keep in mind that only water-based or silicone based lubricants are compatible with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants damage latex. If you prefer oil-based lubricants, then use non-latex condoms, for instance polyurethane condoms.
Use a considerable amount of lubricant, especially when having anal sex. Put some amount of lube on the condom and inside the anus to provide easier glide and to reduce frictions.
Use right-sized condoms. A too small condom will prevent you from maintaining erection and is more likely to tear.
Change condoms every 30 minutes. The longer you use a condom, the more likely to tear it is. So it is a good idea to check whether everything is OK with the condom during sex. If intercourse lasts for more than 30 minutes, change it for a new one.
Do not stretch it. The condom should be unrolled, rather than stretched, so do not be too enthusiastic when putting on the condom.
Use only one condom. Some people think that use of two condoms can double protection. In fact the effect is quite the opposite: two condoms are more likely to break than one.
Store condoms properly. Never store condoms in wet and hot places. Also they should not be exposed to sun rays.
Remove air bubbles. Sometimes air remains in the condom and this causes its breakage. So every time, when putting on the condom squeeze the tip of the condom to remove air bubbles.

Slipping off

The other problem is that sometimes the condom might slip off the penis during sexual intercourse. If this problem occurs too often, than you should do the following

Do not put lubricant on the bare penis. Lubricant under the condom might make the latter slip off the penis.
Use right-sized condom. Usually condoms slip off the penis being too big.
Unroll the condom completely. A condom might slip off the penis because it was not unrolled up to the base of the shaft.

Erection problems

Sometimes men refuse to use condoms thinking that these might prevent them from achieving and maintaining erection. Here are some recommendation regarded this matter

Never use too small condoms. These do influence erection. There is a great range of big-sized condoms, try to use some of them.
Erection rings. There are special erection rings, that are sex toys designed to be worn at the base of the penis and to maintain erection. The rings are available in a great variety of models. Try a few models to find the one that will suit you best.
Visit your doctor. If the problem persists, than perhaps it has nothing to do with condoms. The doctor will find out what causes erection problems and will prescribe treatment.