
Although condom is one of the most reliable contraceptives, failures with their usage do occur. The most frequent problems that lead to condom ( ) failure were their breakage and slippage during the intercourse.
Possible reasons of condom failure
Tears in the condom
Opening the package incorrectly, such as with one's teeth, long fingernails or sharp tools is often the initial cause for condom failure. Minor tears left on a condom may result in condom breakage so it's necessary to check the condom to avoid this possibility later on.
Low-quality condom
Using a condom after expiration date means that you no longer can rely on a condom as an effective contraceptive. Look thoroughly at the condom to find if its' not damaged, adhesive or frail, has uneven structure or color. Also try to use condoms of well-known manufacturers.
Too early or too late application
Due to the correct use of a condom a man should put it on erect penis. So if you roll the condom while penis is still flaccid or prior to ejaculation the chances of condom slippage will be reduced. In general as condom protects the covered area a penis should not come in contact with the genitals or any other orifice until the condom is putt on.
Incompatible lubricant
Condoms made of latex are not compatible with oil-based lubricants as they can damage the material of a condom. Water-based lubricant is a good choice that fits all condom materials.
Repeated use of a condom
Condoms are meant to be used only once, that's why any reuse, i.e. using the same condom for subsequent intercourses or washing the condom and reusing is ineffective and unreasonable.
Wrong size of the condom
While this is not so obvious cause of condom breakage or slippage, cases when condom doesn’t match to the size of the penis still occur. The material of a condom is supposed to stretch while you put it on, but with a rare exception, men who have considerably thick penis may experience condom failure.
Emergency tips for condom failure
- Don't panic if condom failure did occur. You are not helpless and there are things you can do to protect yourself from getting pregnant or reduce the chance of getting STD's.
If the condom broke or slipped of during the intercourse prior to ejaculation , you should stop and pull out penis as fast as possible and put on another condom (always have several condoms handy in case something goes wrong).
- If the ejaculation took place - withdraw penis carefully and put ascorbic acid deep inside the vagina (no more than two pills), to create acid medium which kills sperm or spermicide. Of course, this won't give you a 100% guarantee, but it will help you to reduce the chance of getting pregnant.
- Don't douche! This will only result in pushing sperm further more.
- Appeal to emergency contraception or to be more precise-morning-after pill. Emergency contraception is effective only in preventing pregnancy. You can get it in a local drug store or in a family planning center. The first tablet should be taken right after the intercourse and the second one after 8 hours. Keep in mind that that is not a regular method of contraception, so you should apply to it only on rare occasions and no more than once half a year.
- Stay calm and talk to your partner on your sex history. Did you and your partner have unprotected intercourse before? Be honest to evaluate the risks of possible infection. In any way you should consult with your doctor to get tested on STD's.

While some men use condom quite reluctantly and even refuse to do so, women choose the barrier method they will be able to take responsibility of.
Female condoms ( ) resembles much of a male one, being around 6,7 inches long contraceptive made of polyurethane. At the tip of the condom it has a pliable ring which is meant to closely fit the cervix of the uterus. The outer ring is to be hanging down the entrance of the vagina. The flexibility of inner ring is designed and helps to let the condom stay in place.
Advantages of female condom
- As a male condom it gives protection against STD's and unwanted pregnancy due to its ability not to let the body liquids pass through the barrier.
- Female condom is compatible with most lubricants (silicone and oil-based) due to polyurethane material it is made of.
- Female condom can be a good choice for those who suffer from allergy to latex.
- It doesn’t interrupt the intercourse as you may insert it beforehand.
How to use female condom
- Open the package of the condom and take it out.
- Apply a lubricant on the inside of the sheath or on the penis so that to make penetration and thrusting more comfortable.
- Make yourself comfortable to insert the sheath, lying down or hunkering down
- Take the condom by the inner ring so that your thumb and your middle finger will squeeze it to ease the insertion. When the inner ring gets inside the vagina, you can push the sheath further by index finger placing it inside at the pouch of the inner ring.
- Insert the inner ring quickly till it fits snugly at the other side of the vagina. The outer ring should be left hanging so that to remove it lately.
- After the intercourse remove the condom holding and twisting it by the outer. Condom will slide out of vagina.
Warnings
- Female condom is meant for one use only, which means you can apply it only during one intercourse.
- Check your nails while inserting condom inside the vagina not to damage the material of the latter
- Don't use male condom when protection with if you already use female condom.
- Throw the condom in trash, not in the toilet.
- Some women find it quite uncomfortable to insert female condom, but those difficulties can be overcome with constant and recurring use.

Everyone knows condoms are to protect us from unwanted consequences, but it never had been so topical after inventing an anti-rape condom. Quite an unusual vision of women's protection against sexual assault was realized by Sonet Ehlers, 57-year old woman inventor from Cape Town.
So what is this novelty about?
Rapex female condom ( ) was mainly designed to prevent possible rape. Looking much alike the common latex female condom, it has so called "teeth" to catch the penis and finally disable the rapist of further actions.
As a usual condom it also guards over woman's health, protecting her from STD's or presumable pregnancy. Taking into account, that rape is quite an unrehearsed act and it causes harm not only to women's mental heath but physical as well, such an invention does make sense.
How does Rapex works?
A Rapex is quite easy in use. A woman inserts it inside vagina the same way she is used to insert a tampon and is removed with the help of an applicator.
Anti-rape condom is said to fit the place perfectly so that not to worry about its possible lost. Neither will it evoke any suspicion.
What about the rapist?
Just imagining a situation where the rapist will finally be caught by a cruel condom. Will he be convulsed at the attempt of penetrating his victim or will he simply kill poor woman on spot? I only hope a woman doesn't have amnesia and her boyfriend or husband doesn't get into the trap by chance. Or it will save her trouble from having any sex.
How did the idea occur?
Interestingly, the idea of anti-rape condom struck madam Ehlers on hearing one victim impressions, where she said that "having teeth at that very secret place would be of greater help to her. And what a coincidence! Later on, she becomes a witness of another mischance: a man had his manhood stuck by trouser's zip. Most probably, madam Sonnet was so impressed by a men's torture that she made up her mind to invent something really "effective".
But it looks as though the anti-rape condom was invented for some special cases. No woman will go out and think: "Well, according to my astrologist's forecast, I am going to be raped today", or "this guy looks quite suspicious, it's high time to put on my "chastity belt." The truth is that accidents happen quite unexpectedly, though I do think that taking measures against the violent assault is better than doing nothing in this regard. Women are believed to have a better intuition and if they feel some danger, it will surely can prompt them to rebel against the violence.

Oral sex is one of the most enjoyable sexual practices chosen by most lovers to give the most satisfying treat. While we tend to take safety measures during penetration, oral sex is usually performed unprotected.
Surely you cannot get pregnant during oral sex, but you cannot exclude the danger of getting an STI. What you should keep in mind is that STI have its way through body fluids especially with all the close contacts that oral sex implies. That means you can get an STD through oral intercourse. Most of the infections: gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia together with herpes virus are known to be passed through oral contact. Be aware that you can get an HIV virus through the cuts.
There are several ways to have oral sex: cunnilingus (mouth to female genitals), fellatio (mouth to male genitals) and anilingus (mouth to anus). All of these techniques can be performed with less risk taking some safety measures.
Dental dam
Dental dam was designed for making oral pleasure, such as anilingus or cunnilingus safer. It looks like a sheer piece of latex that is placed on the area where oral sex is performed. The main principle of the dental dam is to create a mechanical barrier to prevent body fluids contact.
How to use?
• You will need to hold a dental dam with your hands as it doesn't attach to genitals. Make sure you have your fingernails cut or be careful if you have long ones. Even minor cuts on a dental dam will make it useless as body fluids may ooze out.
• You shouldn't use the same dental dam for anal and vaginal oral sex simultaneously as infections can easily pass from one area to another.
• You may use condom compatible lubricant to enhance the sensations like water-based lubes. A lubricant should be applied on the stimulated area and the dental dam should be placed on.
Condom
When dental dams are not always available, you may use a common condom by cutting it to make a rectangle.
How to use?
• Take the condom out of the package and cut it carefully throughout the length of the condom to make a rectangle.
• Then you can cover area of genitals or anus for further stimulation. Keep in mind that protection is provided only to the covered area, that's why you should hold the condom on both sides.
• Again a water-based lubricant may become a great helper to compensate for the lack of direct contact with the genitals or anus.
Useful tips
Many people claim that lubricant tastes quite unpleasant that's why a non-lubricated condom is often the best choice.
You may also find flavored condoms which can have a taste of fruits, mint, vanilla or chocolate. They add an enjoyable flavor to the process of oral pleasure.
Warning
Never reuse condom. Just throw it in the trash after sexual activity.
Both condoms and dental dams are meant to be used on one side only. Don't try to turn the cover over after use.

Today you will hardly find a better protection method than condom. In most cases, failures that occur during use of a condom are more or less connected with improper application of the latter.
How to put on a condom
- Take a new condom package and open it carefully. Carefully means: don't get your teeth or fingernails into the package. Neither it is necessary to cut it with a sharp knife or any other cutting tools. It's easy, trust me! No rush, no flush – it's just a condom!
- Hold a condom by the tip and pinch the tip to let off the air – this space is necessary for ejaculatory fluid later on.
- Make sure penis is erect when putting on a condom.
- Go on squeezing it at the tip and unroll the condom from the head down to the base of the penis.
- If you use lubricant, make sure to use a water-based one. Other types of lubricants like those oil-based can damage latex condoms.
A more advanced technique to put on a condom
Nothing can persuade your partner more than when you take the initiative and put on a condom yourself. The more so if you try to put it with mouth.
- After you've taken the condom out of the package, get ready to give a special treat to your partner.
- In order to get the maximum pleasure out of the process, use this technique for flavored or unlubricated condoms, as lubricated versions often taste not so good and if you are sensitive to such things just take another condom.
- Place a tip of a condom on your tongue and pinch it by the palate behind the front teeth. The main thing you should do at this stage is to squeeze air out of the condom tip.
- Pull back a foreskin a bit while unrolling a condom with your mouth.
- Avoid letting your teeth come in contact with the condom as it can result in minor tears.
How to take off a condom
- Remove condom only after withdrawing penis.
- After ejaculation you should take off a condom right after you've taken a penis out of the orifice.In order to avoid ejaculation fluid spill, hold a condom at the base.
- Remove condom rolling it towards the tip.
What to do after use?
- Never reuse condom.
- Always use a new condom when you have another intercourse, successive intercourses or a breakage of a condom occurred.
- Throw a condom in a trash after use. Don't flush it in the toilet as it can create problems in sewer system.

- Never reuse condom.
No exceptions for this rule! Condom lifespan expires right after ejaculation. No matter whether you are going to shower your partner with multiple orgasms or think you have enough room left for another try – it's just a bad idea! Don't try to apply special methods, like "clean-dry process" to save money on this contraceptive. It's not worth it.
- Never use oil-based lubricants with a condom.
This also refers to the whole range of baby oils, Vaseline, lotions and other stuff used as lubricants for erotic games. When you use a lubricant with a condom, look for a water-based one, it's "fit-for-all" solution, as it won't damage latex.
- Never use male and female condoms at once.
Some people consider that double condom use will strengthen the protection against unwanted pregnancy and STD's, but that is not the case when you should redouble your vigilance. The contact between male and female condom can result in nothing but the failure with both. You surely don't want your better half to spend the rest of the time hunting for her female condom in the curves of her internal organs or a male condom to be swallowed by a female one.
- Never use condom after expiration date.
Yes, you can't forestall the condoms market, and expect them to serve you for a lifetime. Condoms have an expiration date, and that should be found in the first place when you buy it. Look at the package where all the dates will be indicated. If none are found, don't waste your time and buy another one.
- Never put a condom on a flaccid penis.
While you penetrate your partner being in an erect state, the same rule should be applied to putting on a condom. Don't expect your penis to increase in a condom for better fit. No need to say that if you put a condom on a flaccid penis you will need a great deal of patience and skills to perform the intercourse.
- Never flush a condom in the toilet.
While you may want to get rid of this delicate item as soon as possible, and toilet seems to be that very place to cover your tracks. But that is pretty unwise way to do. Simply throw it in the trash.

Sex is a greatest pleasure but very often pleasure goes with risk and sex is no exception. It shouldn't sound like a threat but how can we evaluate safety of the most enjoyable activity?
With the sex industry and technological progress moving on, we are taking pains to increase the chances of every person to lead a healthy way of life and to have a sound family. When evaluating the chances of having a safe and unsafe sex, it can be said that the only 100% guarantee is no sex at all. That means that basically all that doesn't include body fluids contact shouldn't bear a risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STD's), but most of them don't give the desired satisfaction as well.
But well, how much of sexual practices can you count to exclude that very condition?
Let's make a list of the safest sexual activities, beginning with the safest and finishing with the least safe:
1. Abstinence
While today more and more people choose abstinence as a voluntary option, most still abstain from sex unwillingly. And thus if abstinence doesn't affect your emotional health, than it surely preserve your from unpleasant consequences.
2. Cyber, phone and any other non-tangible contact
This can give you some relief for tense moments, but can we make a comparison between "safe" cyber sex and "unsafe" real intercourse? Undoubtedly, real contact wins the upper hand if it is practiced with the use of condoms.
3. Solo sex
Masturbation is partially safe as it doesn't involve any other person who can bear a risk of possible STDs infection. The danger of solo sex can only involve some risky experiments with the objects of questionable nature.
4. Intercourse with condom use
Any vaginal, oral or anal intercourse that is accompanied by the condom use is the only way to apply a safe method against STDs infection. All the cases that were described as ineffective regarding condom use were either connected with the misuse or simply when one was not in use. Though we shouldn't forget that some STDs that can be transmitted through skin to skin contact are the exception in the list.
5. Sex toys use
Sex toys when used in solo sex are quite safe if only you don't share them with someone else or don't follow some basic cleaning rules.
6. Oral sex
Some people believe oral sex can prevent STD's infection spread which is not true. Oral sex is less risky in terms of getting STD but nevertheless this sexual practice cannot be included in the list of absolutely safe sex activities. With the fluids and small cuts the danger becomes even higher.
7. Intercourse without condom use
Anal and vaginal intercourses are the most risky sexual practices. The chances of having safe sex during penetration increase with such factors as casual sex partner, alcohol or drug use, multiple partners, neglect of basic hygiene rules.
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