E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Using a condom isn't as easy as it may seem. For instance, don't open the packet with a sharp object, researchers suggest.
By Stephanie Pappas
LiveScience senior writer
Condoms can't prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease if they're used incorrectly. Unfortunately, a new review of research finds that condom use errors are all too common.
Some of the most frequent mistakes include putting a condom on partway through intercourse or taking it off before intercourse is over, failing to leave space at the tip of the condom for semen, and failing to look for damage before use. These errors can contribute to breakage or leakage, researchers reported in the journal Sexual Health.
"We chronically underestimate how complicated condom use can be," University of Kentucky professor Richard Crosby, who co-authored the study, said in a statement. "It involves the use of a condom, while negotiating the condom use and sex with a partner all at the same time."
With perfect use, condoms prevent pregnancy with 98 percent success, according to the World Health Organization. Typically, however, the rate of unintended pregnancy with condoms is around 15 percent. [The History & Future of Birth Control]
Led by Stephanie Sanders of The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction at Indiana University, the researchers pulled together 16 years of research on condom errors and failures going back to 1995. They found 50 studies from 14 countries, though western nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom predominated. The studies involved diverse groups of participants, from married individuals to sex workers to college students; as such, there were a range of condom use-error rates.
An analysis of all 50 studies found a laundry list of reported errors in condom use. For example, between 17 percent and 51.1 percent of people queried in the studies said they'd put on a condom partway through intercourse — negating any disease-controlling benefits, since fluids are exchanged throughout intercourse not just during ejaculation. Other studies found that between 1.5 percent and 24.8 percent of sexual experiences involved putting a condom on too late in the process of intercourse.
The research also turned up multiple mistakes in how people put condoms on. Up to 25.3 percent said they unrolled the condom's sheath before putting on the condom, rather than unrolling the condom on the penis. Between a quarter and almost half of respondents said they'd failed to leave room at the tip of the condom for semen to collect. About 75 percent of men and 82 percent of women failed to check condoms for damage before using them.
Between 0.8 percent and 40.7 percent of participants had experienced a condom break, and between 13.1 percent and 19.3 percent had one leak, depending on the study. Improper condom use, including the wrong kind of lubricant or storage, can contribute to these problems. For instance, oil-based lubricants will degrade latex condoms.
While perfect condom use has a 98 percent success rate at preventing pregnancy, errors can increase the risk of breakage, slippage or other condom failure. Here are the rates for those problems:
Breakage: In various studies, between 0.8 percent and 40.7 percent of participants reported the experience of a broken condom. In some studies, the rates of sex with a broken condom were as high as 32.8 percent.
Slippage: Between 13.1 percent and 19.3 percent of participants reported condom slippage.
Leakage: Condoms leaked in between 0.4 percent and 6.5 percent of sexual encounters studied, with 7.6 percent of men and 12.5 percent of women reporting an experience with a leaky condom.
"Closing the gap between perfect use and the errors characterizing typical use is one of the most crucial challenges of future condom promotion programs," the researchers wrote.
From the study, here are the top condom errors:
1. Late application: Between 17 percent and 51.1 percent of people reported putting a condom on after intercourse has already begun. Other studies found that late application happens in 1.5 percent to 24.8 percent of sexual encounters.
2. Early removal: Between 13.6 percent and 44.7 percent of individuals in the studies had taken a condom off before intercourse was over. Other studies found that early removal happens in between 1.4 percent and 26.9 percent of sexual encounters.
3. Unrolling a condom before putting it on: Between 2.1 percent and 25.3 percent of people reported completely unrolling a condom before putting it on.
4. No space at the tip: Failing to leave a reservoir for semen was reported by between 24.3 percent and 45.7 percent of respondents, depending on the study.
5. Failing to remove air: Almost half (48.1 percent) of women and 41.6 percent of men reported sexual encounters in which air wasn't squeezed from the tip of the condom.
6. Inside-out condoms: Between 4 percent and 30.4 percent of people reported rolling on a condom inside out and then flipping it the other way around, potentially exposing their partner to bodily fluids.
7. Failing to unroll all the way: 11.2 percent of women and 8.8 percent of men had started intercourse before a condom was unrolled all the way.
8. Exposure to sharp objects: Between 2.1 percent and 11.2 percent of people had opened condom packets with sharp objects or otherwise exposed the latex to tearing.
9. Not checking for damage: Meanwhile, 82.7 percent of women and 74.5 percent of men failed to check condoms for damage before use.
10. No lubrication: Between 16 percent and 25.8 percent of participants had used condoms without lubrication, increasing the risk of a break.
11. Wrong lubrication: In about 4.1 percent of sexual events, people used oil-based lubrications with latex, which can degrade the condom. About 3.2 percent of women and 4.7 percent of men reported this error.
12. Incorrect withdrawal: Failing to promptly and properly withdraw after ejaculation was a common mistake, occurring in up to 57 percent of encounters in one study. About 31 percent of men and 27 percent of women reported this error.
13. Condom reuse: Between 1.4 percent and 3.3 percent of study respondents had re-used a condom at least twice during a sexual encounter.
14. Incorrect storage: Between 3.3 percent and 19.1 percent of people in the studies had stored condoms in conditions outside of the recommendations on the package.
Leave a Comment:
Not sure what the purpose of this article is asides from pointing out that people are either sorely lacking in sex education, or inherently idiots. While we're here however...kind note to the author...find a way to make the percentage's work without being at best horribly confusing, or at worst, pointless. The range of percentages in the varying studies that you cited is so far off as to be of little use asides from making the point that 'you are doing it wrong'.
"Between 0.8 percent and 40.7 percent of participants had experienced a condom break,"
" Other studies found that between 1.5 percent and 24.8 percent of sexual experiences involved putting a condom on too late in the process of intercourse."
That's a damned big discrepancy...kind of distracts from the idea of the article. We know people do things wrong...average out the damned percentages if you have to. But don't make people squabble over how many and how much.
I noticed that too -- the figures are meaningless in not ridiculous. I hope the taxpayers didn't pay for this research.
An old soul, It's probably both. uneducated and idiotic. If you don't know how to use a condom you really should not be having sex.
@Devil's Son: Really?! That's one of the dumbest and most arrogant things I have ever heard! Maybe, just maybe there are those that have no need for them. If you don't know, please abstain, and for the sake of society, don't procreate.
9 out of 3 times I always wear a condom never.
My favorite was "most people don't check for breakage" - what is the proceedure for this? Do I blow it up like a balloon and see if it holds air? Do you have any idea how small sperm is? How do I know if there is a hole small enough for one of these little buggers to get throw.
I was a little confused about the percentage ranges also, but if you read the article again they were consolidating a number of studies. So the ranges were from different studies: one had a .08% and another study had 40%. Remember, some studies were with college students, some were with sex workers and some studies were married couples. Big difference in how and why they use them.
Wait a minute here Tony! Are you saying married couples were included? What planet and species were these "subjects"? Married people. Riiiiiiiiiigggggght.
did anybody else get really horny reading this article?
This is the product of "Abstinence Only" education. Thanks Repugs and FundaMENTALists.
I was calculating the percentages & went soft, damn!
Personally I have experienced 1, 5, 6, 9, 12 & 14. If you are having problems with sharp objects & recycling your partner should have to sign a waiver.
It's all probably going to be moot, because if the Repugs have their way, condoms will be banned, too....
I logged in just to respond to this.
Shut up with the politics, already. This article (though it has fairly little value) was aimed at exposing the lack of sexual education/adherence to safe sex principles. I assume you are a Democrat based on your comment, and while I don't identify with either party, you are just making yourself and your fellow Democrats look like whiners.
Do us all (including other Dem's) a favor and stop saying stupid things.
osuguy:
As long as the GOP keeps politicizing contraception and obstructing true sexual education, they're not only fair game, but Democrats have an obligation to keep this issue (and the conservative hypocrisy surrounding it) in the spotlight.
You two demorats are a prime example as to why some people's parents should have used them doubled up. Idiots.
RAS928- Telling someone with whom you disagree on some point that they shouldn't have been born doesn't help persuade people to your viewpoint.
RAS 928, If Mr. and Mrs. Santorium had used a condom we would have little Ricky Sweatervest. So it just isn't Democrats that should practice birth control.
@RAS928
Using two condoms at once is also incorrect! They rub against each other and break. I'm surprised that wasn't one of the categories in this article.
I just have one thing to say about this article. Based on this:
Eeeeewwwwww...
Two condoms is appropriate at times. Called "South Side Chicago Wrap" it requires the user to correctly adorn one condom. After placing a drop of Tabasco Sauce on the inner condom; apply another condom over the first. If either partner feels anything hot; STOP what you are doing!
I always wear two condoms all the time. When I get with a lady and we're about to go for it, I rip one off and feel like a wild man.
The Repugs are the ones who started the war on contraception. If you want to stop politicization of contraception, tell the Repugs, Cons, Tea Baggers, and FundaMENTALists to stop politicizing it.
Condoms. Discuss.
Repubs suck! Dems suck! Your party sucks and everyone who disagrees is a primitive ape living under a rock! Rabble Rabble Rabble!
Every story is a political story!
And the population continues to grow...
Who would unroll a condom before putting it on? A democrat maybe.
At least a Dem would be willing to do the socially responsible thing and utilize the morning-after pill.
No we actually know how to use them not just go all chimp over the sight of one and pray to the invisible man who lives in the invisible place.
I think this article is right on target...it does little good to use a condom if it is compromised in function. Politics shouldn't even BE in this picture...If I'm not mistaken, Big Brother is not allowed in the bedroom, unless national security or public safety were involved.
As it stands, STDs and unwanted pregnancy are very real and legitimate concerns, and any knowledge is power. Condoms have proven track records to prevent both, but it involves proper use, from start to finish. And unlike hormones and IUDs and their related methods, condoms are affordable, easy to use and acquire, and by and large have few health side effects (for example, those who are allergic to latex, for which vinyl condoms are available).
I agree that condoms are awesome and actually help to prevent spread of STIs which is extremely important (one of the reasons I refused to go on hormonal BC before I got married because I knew the temptation to not use a condom would be too high). However, I do have to disagree that they are affordable. If you buy brand and use one or two a day they can add up very quickly. I suppose you can get them free at planned parenthood but I just want to say that they can pose a significant cost which is why I will always have them available for any children I may have so that the cost (and embarrassment) of purchasing them at the store isn't too much of a barrier.
Big brother IS allowed in the bedroom, if two consenting adults are gay. Have you really misunderstood that little factoid? The Republicons encourage Big Brother to be in the bedroom of gays, just as they want Big Brother to be snopping around the lives of women who may need to have an abortion, even in the case of rape or incest. These Republicons are very selective aboutf whose bedroom they want to invade - and trust me, it's women, and gays.
EmilyInIowa wrote "I agree that condoms are awesome and actually help to prevent spread of STIs which is extremely important (one of the reasons I refused to go on hormonal BC before I got married because I knew the temptation to not use a condom would be too high)."
Condom education is so political that it omits that women are protected by condoms more than men are.
EmilyInIowa wrote "they can pose a significant cost which is why I will always have them available for any children I may have so that the cost "
Parental guilt reduces the frequency sexual encounters. Emily has her own method to increase that frequency.
@Oregon Native - you are spot on.
@Wm.Sanders?? STD protection aside....have you never felt screwed by a politician - by either side of the aisle? On that topic - we really have no protection once the barn door is opened....although on second thought, condoms could be handed out at the beginning of each session...to be used to pull over their heads to keep their mouths closed.
Teenagers need to have proper condom application taught more thoroughly in sex ed.
If our kids could read, they'd be able to read the instructions on the box.
Suze,
Many guys take pride in never reading directions, with often predictable results.
overpopulationistheproblem Rerally?That is always your quick answere isn't it? We alrady have sex education. These morons just don't care. Do people need to be taught how to eat a bannana? There are few things simpler that a condom. Even gloves with 5 tubes come withNO INSTRUCTIONS!!
GeorgeBurnsWasRight wrote "any guys take pride in never reading directions, with often predictable results."
Women generally lie and giggle during male condom application to relieve female discomfort but it merely results in improper or completely unsuccessful condom application. Does modern sex ed tell women to STFU during condom application?
Dad said God gave men the ability to think with two heads. But only enough blood to do one at a time. It's hard to breath wearing a condom!
If the woman would apply it that might solve a lot of these problems. Especially if she can learn to put it on with her lips.
If we live in a society where people can't even use a condom properly (uh, se a little common sense, dimwad), how do we expect people to do important things like raise children, vote, use credit cards responsibly, save money for retirement, read the fine print on the mortgage...
...so maybe practicing unrolling condoms on a cucumber isn't such a stupid idea after all.
Suze wrote "If we live in a society where people can't even use a condom properly (uh, se a little common sense,"
This is easy for women to say because women do not apply condoms. A man must be completely erect for proper condom application. Most young women giggle and interfere with the process.
"...so maybe practicing unrolling condoms on a cucumber "
That has to be the dumbest comment I've ever written. Women just lie there in complete ignorance of male anatomy without understanding the dynamics of sexual performance.
That is pretty harsh. It's not necessarily easy or intuitive, as this article is pointing out. Mocking people will just get them to make more mistakes. What's wrong with you?
When I went through high school back in the late 80's we had a thorough sex education class. They taught us not only about condoms but even showed everyone how to use them (on a actual dildo no less). The class was approved by all parents before the class even started. It showed videos on both male and female sex organs etc.. It was a very informative class and myself and my classmates were glad we took it. Out of my graduating class we had zero pregnancies and no std's.
I just wish that today everyone would get out of the prude closest and realize that teaching and telling it how it is to kids is the only way to instill good behavior and morals. It was done for me and my class so why not today.
KevinH wrote "They taught us not only about condoms but even showed everyone how to use them (on a actual dildo no less). "
While better than no instruction at all, it's about as relevant as asking a woman to do a full push-up.
Vincent, women do not lie there and giggle. If that's your experience, I must say it's probably something about you they're giggling at.
Kevin H, you shouldn't call your ex classmates "a actual dildo". I bet he is still messed up all these years later.
Nice one, Sirlafalot!
Definitely, i'm not living in the 21st century yet....unbelievable!!!!!!
If people are not taught that EVERYTHING is complex early in life, then they are just being primed to make many stupid mistakes before they manage to learn that lesson on their own.
So are condom use classes "hands on" classes?
I'm sorry that so many folks don't know how to use a condom. The information is and has been generally available for a generation now. Those too stupid or lazy to learn the rules will suffer from their stupidity, as will our society with greater numbers of the sick, and additional unwanted children. Too many people have the knee-jerk response to studies: "I hope the government isn't paying for this stupid study" Well, in this case, the study could identify ways to reduce health-care costs and the social and welfare costs of unwanted pregnancies. Selfishness is not next to Godliness.
Use the pull out method. That's what my dad did!
funny
Most circumcised men find condom use somewhat frustrating due to reduced sensitivity.
And uncircumcised men? Is it like the "two bagger" effect?
And most men have reduced sensitivity to unwanted pregnancy as well.
Well the fact that you were born, he did not do a good job.
If someone does not know how to use a condom without sex education; they are too stupid to understand the education in the first place. just look at the damned thing, how many ways could it possibly work!
You don't know much about condoms and how alcohol and over-the-counter drugs cause a fleeting erection and improper condom application.
"how many ways could it possibly work!"
The average man needs a few sexual encounters to understand. Did sex education reveal that erections are affected by allergy medications or circumcision? Did sex education ever reveal that circumcised men are less able to hold an erection than intact men? I don't remember a single sentence in my high sex ed class about the difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men. Not a single teacher taught women that uncircumcised men are NOT digusting. (I'm circumcised and as angry about as a woman with her clitoral hood removed) Sex Ed is in need of an overhaul.
Vincent, you might want to stay away from this discussion for a while. It sounds like you have a few issues of your own, somewhat unrelated to the actual article. Between that and your apparent sexism, I'm not sure you'll be much appreciated here.
If you're having that much trouble in bed, you might want to look into getting a doctor's appointment. I know my fiance doesn't have any trouble as a circumcised man (and usually hopped up on allergy meds, he's pretty bad in the spring and fall), and sometimes we joke that if he wasn't, he wouldn't last at all. I'm not saying I completely agree with the procedure, but it seems mankind has not had any trouble breeding, that's for sure.
Even gloves with 5 tubes come with NO INSTRUCTIONS!!
Yeah and the people who can't manage this are the ones who really should not reproduce!
I just wish they didn't make condoms so darn small..
Com'on, most guys don't read or ask directions. They should have simple, concise (oops, big word)...short directions...this, this and this (in LARGE, ALL CAPS print)...PERIOD. No, wait, it should come with a DVD, then by the time you watch it the moment will be gone...instant birth control. Better yet, as with birth control, the woman will take the initiative in proper condom use. Hmmm, maybe we should just be monogamous and do it au naturale.
When I make love to a woman I use 8 condoms. One for each finger.
You should change your moniker to "Puppet Master".
So no more playing "just the tip" before putting a condom on. Good to know. I surprised they didn't address the "double bagging" issue...
If she is ugly enough to need two bags for her head; do you really want to sleep with her?
...am dying here...I'm dying....such a great roll....
If rep Bob Marshall in the Virginia General Assembly reads this article, we are doomed. He will introduce a bill requiring all males age 12 and up to have classes in condom use before having sex. He perosnally will sign all certificates attesting to the attendees suitability for participating is sexual activity.
Shoot BW - could be worse - same Bob Marshall, of that Virginia General Assembly, could introduce a bill requiring all females age 12 and up to have a forced vaginal ultrasound prior to sexual activity....
How do you reuse a condom?
You take it off and sling the f**k out of it.
Too stupid to use a condom...there's an old story passed around in the Peace Corps about advisers teaching a viilage about using condoms for birth control.They demonstrated the proper application on a broom handle. They left feeling good about how well the training session had gone. They returned several months later to find that the birth rate hadn't changed. They asked around the village and all the natives swore they had been using the condoms. In each hut they found brooms with condoms rolled over the handles.
That story is sixty years old.
I think there's a story around similar to that.
They were trying to teach a group of people in a village about sanitary conditions and had images of flies up on a screen for teaching purposes. Supposedly they never did take the advice, because after all, they didn't have giant flies where they lived. In that case they may have a tendency to take things more literal within their culture. Could be communication issues along with a overall lack of technology and education. Not stupid, just unintentionally ignorant given their position in life.
But if you live in America? I don't think there's much of an excuse. Very few actually manage to slip through the grasp of our education system (as poor as it can be) and I'm sure most of this problem is an outright failure to pay attention in class and then simply dismissing the information. Teenagers, sheesh.
Is this article just a way to make an excuse for those that are too lazy and stupid to have actually bought the condom? Cuz im pretty sure thats the first step to using them.
"We chronically underestimate how complicated condom use can be," University of Kentucky professor Richard Crosby, who co-authored the study, said."
Right. More than anything, this points out the failure of liberal sex education over the past 3 decades. But then, education in general, under "liberal" guidance, is lacking.
"More than anything, this points out the failure of liberal sex education over the past 3 decades."
A liberal education has never been tried in this country. It's been tried in Europe - where the average age for first time sexual encounters is higher than the US, unwanted pregnancy rates are ower, abortions rates are lower. No, social conservatives (i.e. morons) have successfully kept education in this country (particularly in the areas of health and science) anything but liberal.