Oh SNAP! The Condom Broke!

“Oh #@%! The condom broke!” a phrase you never want to hear during the midst of sex play! Talking about a mood killer! What?! The penis immediately goes south, the once plentiful flowing waters of the vagina instantly dry up like a barren desert and the look of anxiety replaces the sex face of passion because now you’re effectively terrified of the unintended consequences of unprotected sex and the list can go on.

Before we go further, here are a few facts. If used correctly and consistently each time, condoms are 98-100% effective and offer the best protection against most sexually transmitted infections (STI) and unintended pregnancies. But even at 98-100% rate of effectiveness, studies show that condoms have a 12% rate of failure with the most common cause due to inconsistent usage, breakage and/or misuse. Most commonly, condom mishaps or breakage occurs when the user fails to follow the steps for using and putting on a condom properly. Right now, you’re probably saying to yourself, “There are steps for using a condom?” YES, there are steps and most manufacturers have written instructions! And, knowing the proper steps for putting on a condom can significantly reduce the chances of breakage, slippage, unintended pregnancies and transmission of most STI, however many people are unaware or have been misinformed.

Steps for putting on a condom:

Here are the recommended steps for using condoms before and during sex play, each and every time.

1. Check the expiration date printed on the individual package. If expired, Do Not Use. Only use unexpired condoms!
2. Squeeze the condom package to ensure that the package is properly sealed. All of sides and edges should be sealed tight, the package should have no punctures or holes and a packet of air is usually trapped in the center of the package.
3. When opening the package, push condom to the side and open the package using your index finger tips and thumbs. Do not use your teeth, fingers nails or sharp tools to open package as this may puncture the condom.
4. Pull condom out of the package with your index finger and thumb.
5. Before applying to the penis, make sure the tip of the condom is facing upward, pinch the tip with the finger tips on one hand while unrolling the condom all the way down from the top to the base of the penis with the finger tips on the other hand.
6. Once the sperm has been released, immediately pull the penis and condom out of your partner.
7. To remove the condom, pulling from the tip and pushing from the base (may require both hands)
8. Wrap the used condom into a disposal tissue and properly discard

Tips:

•  Never go from anal sex to vaginal sex using the same condom.
•  Condoms clog toilets! Don’t flush any condom down the toilet. Throw it away in a trashcan.
•  Never use a condom more than once.
•  Do not keep condoms in  a wallet or glove box in a car. Store them in a cool dry place.
•  If the color of the condom is changed or uneven, do not use.
•  If you have multiple partners, use a new condom with each one.
•  Condoms can also be used with sex toys, such as vibrators and dildos, to reduce risk of infection.

Always remember that YOU are responsible for YOUR sexual health! Not your partner, not anyone else but YOU! Keep in mind that every time you have unprotected sex with someone, you are having sex with every single person that they’ve had sex with. Additionally, every time you have sex with someone who’s HIV or STI status you do not know, you’re essentially saying to them, I love you enough to let you kill me! Ask yourself one simple question; is this ten, fifteen maybe twenty minutes of pleasure worth dying for? I think NOT! Respect yourself enough to protect yourself! Wrap it up! Safer sex is the new sexy.