You’ve made the right decision by choosing a condom to protect both yourself and your partner from STIs and unplanned pregnancy. Condoms have been designed and go through rigorous testing to ensure they remain intact during use, no matter how heated things get between the sheets. Condoms are usually made from natural latex or a latex alternative and are designed to be waterproof, stretchy and durable. However, if not looked after properly or applied correctly, they can be more vulnerable to splitting. Here are the most common reasons why a condom may break:
Condoms should be stored properly in a cool and dry place to prevent any degradation. You may not have realised or even thought about it but leaving them in the glove box of a hot car or in direct sunlight in your bedroom is not a good idea. Find somewhere protected, away from heat and sunlight and tucked away safely. If you keep one in your wallet be aware that with time the friction from opening and closing the wallet could cause it to deteriorate so don’t leave it there for too long.
If you reach for the pack and it’s empty and then scurry around and find one hidden at the back of the drawer, be sure to check the expiration date before you use it! You may not realise but all condoms have an expiration date and whilst it could be a mood killer, it’s really not worth risking your health for. Most condoms have a shelf life of between 2 and 5 years and the expiration date will be printed on the back of each individual packet. Once a condom goes past its expiry date, it won’t be as effective and is at risk of splitting and puncturing and we would highly recommend not to use it.
No matter how eager you are to put the condom on, condom wrappers were not made to be opened with your teeth. You should also avoid attempting to cut them apart with scissors. Follow the instructions on the packaging and open it carefully by pulling the serrated edge to avoid tearing and ripping. If the condom does become damaged whilst opening, don’t use it. Throw it away and start again with a new one.
Condoms are available in a wide range of sizes to ensure a comfortable fit. If you find regular condoms too tight, you may like to consider these Large Condoms or if you find them too loose, then these Slim Condoms could be a good choice for you. A condom that is too loose or too tight may slide off or tear, making it ineffective.
It’s generally not a good idea to put a condom on in the dark. You really need to be able to see what you are doing. A condom will not be effective if it hasn’t been put on the right way which could increase the risk of tears and slippages. Take your time, squeeze the tip with the forefinger and thumb to ensure no air becomes trapped inside and then roll down with the other hand. It’s important to leave some room at the tip so that it doesn’t balloon and then break. If you have shaky hands, let your partner help.
To browse our comprehensive range of condoms, available in a variety of sizes, sensations, flavours, latex alternatives and pack sizes click here.
Sources:
https://www.durex.co.uk/blogs/explore-sex/why-do-condoms-break
