Condoms: myths busted

Sex myths are the biggest menace ever. So here’s another Sex Myth Buster! Condoms are one of the most common contraceptive methods and also prevent STDs. But is sex less fun with a condom? Do they always work?

Is it better to use two? Are you just too big for a condom? This and much more…

By the way, here we’re talking about the common male but there are also female condoms that go inside the vagina.

Condoms kill the mood and spoil the sensation for both partners.
Using a condom doesn’t have to ruin the moment. For example, you can make putting the condom on part of the foreplay. Check out our tips on how to make it sexy!

There are also many different sizes, shapes, colours, textures and flavours of condoms, so you can have fun with trying them all out!

What’s more, condoms can actually make sex better. True, latest research does confirm that condoms reduce sensitivity for men – see Do Condoms Impair Erotic Sensitivity?. But for men who find they tend to come sooner than they or their partner would like, that can actually be an advantage.

Finally, a niggling worry in the back of your mind is something that can really spoil sex. You’re likely to be more relaxed if you don’t have to worry about unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, STDs.
There’s no need to use a condom when she’s a virgin.
When you have sex for the first time, you can still catch or pass on STDs and the woman can also still get pregnant. The only way to make sure you don’t get infected with an STD is to use barrier contraceptives like male or female condoms, which can also safeguard you against unwanted pregnancy.

Read more in First time sex: top five facts.
Using two condoms at the same time is safer.
Using two condoms at the same time is actually a really bad idea, because then there is a bigger chance of them breaking. Condoms aren’t designed to be used that way – if they were safer like that, the manufacturers would make double condoms! One condom is as safe as it gets – use them properly and that’s really safe. Which brings us right to our next myth…
Condoms can break or slip off really easily.
In most cases where condoms break or slip off, it’s because they have been used incorrectly. For example, an oil-based lubricant can cause condoms to rip.

But with ‘perfect use’, the failure rate is only 3 per cent.

Read more about what ‘failure rate’ means in How well does it work?.

Just get familiar with how to use condoms properly – read more about putting on female condoms and lots more info about condoms, including safety tips.
Condoms can give you cancer or mess with the health of your sperm.
There are no known long-term side effects associated with the use of condoms. In fact, condoms protect against STDs, including ones that can cause other diseases, such as cervical cancer, or infertility.

As for ejaculation, when a condom is used, the man still cums normally, so no, the sperm doesn’t get ‘stuck’ in the penis or anything like that!
When condoms slip off, they can get lost in the woman’s vagina or uterus.
When a condom is put on and taken off in the correct way, it will rarely slip off. But even if it does, it’s usually really easy to get to. You can normally reach it with your finger in your vagina. If not, contact your nearest health care provider for an appointment. However, because sperm might have leaked out of the condom you should think about using morning after pill – the ‘morning after pill’.
People with a latex allergy can’t use condoms.
Latex condoms are best at preventing pregnancy and protecting against STDs. But if you’re allergic to latex, you can use condoms made of polyurethane or lambskin.

Polyurethane is the best option after latex. These condoms are slightly thinner and more expensive. One advantage is that you can feel your partner’s warmth through them more easily. This can make sex feel more intimate.

Polyurethane condoms prevent pregnancy and protect against STDs about as well as latex ones. But because they are thinner, they’re slightly more likely to break and slip off during sex than latex condoms.

Lambskin condoms only prevent pregnancy. They won’t protect you against STDs.
Men with a large penis can’t use condoms.
Condoms come in different sizes and shapes, but most condoms fit most people. If you’re uncomfortable with a specific condom, you can try another brand or shape.

Have you heard a rumour about sex and wonder if it’s true? Let us know and we’ll nail the facts or bust the myths! Leave your comment below or contact us on Facebook.