Have you ever wondered if you or your partner have been using a rubber the right way?!?
Well, since no one ever really stops to think in the heat of the moment, researchers from Indiana University took it amongst themselves to analyze 50 different studies on condom usage, and after finding a super looooong list, Men’s Health got dibs on the top 15 things that lovahs are doing wrong while using love gloves.
Here’s what the mag said:
Early removal
Between 13.6 percent and 44.7 percent of the respondents reported removing the condom before intercourse was complete.
Late application
Across the numerous studies, between 17 percent and 51.1 percent of people reported putting a condom on after intercourse has already begun.
No space at the tip
Failing to leave space for semen at the tip of the condom was reported by 24.3 to 45.7 percent of the respondents.
Completely unrolling the condom prior to application
Between 2.1 percent and 25.3 percent of people admitted to completely unrolling the condom before sliding it on.
Failure to remove air
When looking back to their last sexual encounter, 48.1 percent of women and 41.6 percent of men reported that they didn’t squeeze the air from the tip before use.
Failure to completely unroll the condom before use
When looking back to their last sexual encounter, 11.2 percent of women and 8.8 percent of men had began intercourse before the condom was unrolled all the way.
Inside-out condoms
Between 4 percent and 30.4 percent of participants reported they began rolling the condom on inside out, but then flipped it over and continued its use. And that’s bad, since it can expose her to your pre-ejaculatory fluids, which can get her pregnant.
Exposure to sharp object
Between 2.1 percent and 11.2 percent of people had opened condom packets with sharp objects. The problem: If it’s sharp enough to rip the wrapper, it’s sharp enough to rip the condom.
No lubrication
Between 16 percent and 25.8 percent of people reported using condoms without lubrication. The trouble? If you’re having sex for an extended period of time, the condom is more likely to tear without lubrication.
Failure to check for damage
When removing the condom from the package, 82.7 percent of women and 74.5 percent of men reported that they fail to check for damage before use. What to look for: Make sure the wrapper isn’t worn down or ripped open, keep your eyes peeled for expired dates, and check for visible imperfections while unrolling.
Lubrication complications
Roughly 3.2 percent of women and 4.7 percent of men reported using an oil-based lube with a latex condom. That weakens the latex, which can make it prone to breakage.
Reusing a condom
Between 1.4 percent and 3.3 percent of people reported reusing a condom at least twice during a sexual encounter. Gross.
Incorrect withdrawal
Nearly 31 percent of men and 27 percent of women reported that (post-sex) they failed to promptly and properly withdraw after ejaculation. No matter what the Cranberries sang, guys, this ain’t a time to let it linger.
Incorrect storage
Between 3.3 percent and 19.1 percent of people in the studies had stored their condoms in conditions that did not comply with the recommendations on the package. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or your wallet—both can degrade the latex.
Not wearing one at all
This wasn’t actually part of the study, but we should add that #15 is this: Not using one at all. According to the (most recent) National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, only 45 percent of men ages 18 to 24 used a condom with their last sexual partner. And as the age groups increased, the stats only got worse: Only 29.3 percent of men ages 25 to 34 used condoms and 21.3 percent of men between ages 35 and 44.
EEK! This is soooo scary!!
It’s very possible that one, two, or even three of these mistakes can happen to you, so the next time you’re gonna get it on, don’t rush, and put the a condom on right.
The last thing anyone needs in their life is an unplanned pregnancy or an STD!!
Plus, maybe this will stop the madness of kids eating condoms at McDonalds!! LOLz
