If you’re sexually active, condoms should be your best friend for those moments you want to remember – and the ones you don’t! While studies show that women aren’t completely comfortable buying condoms, they can be one of the most effective ways to prevent getting STDs, which are on the rise in Australia.
Carrying a condom ensures you make the right decision and
have the power for when you need it in the heat of the moment, but there are
right ways and wrongs ways to use them. We take a look at the five common
condom mistakes you should try to avoid – and ensure the good times
are always safe times!
1. Choosing the wrong size!
Let’s start with the basics because buying the right size
condom is pretty important. What happens when your man whips out something you
didn’t plan for? Condoms come in different sizes for a good reason – because
men come in different sizes too! You don’t want your guy to be wearing
something that’s too big or too small so do your homework, be prepared, and buy
the right size condom – or risk losing the contraceptive benefits of using
condoms. Size really does matter.
2. Putting it on inside out or
doubling up!
It’s a rookie error but an easy one to make so don’t feel
bad. It might look like a simple thing to do but there is an art to unrolling
the condom and putting it on without too much force or struggle. If it is
proving to be difficult to put on, there could be a reason – you might have it
on inside out or upside down. If so, don’t persist and instead use a fresh one,
as it may have become damaged or unusable. And two condoms aren’t better than
one, even if you think they might be! If you chuck one on top of the other, it
doesn’t increase the protection, but it does increase the friction and the
chance that they might both tear in the heat of the moment.
3. Not checking for damages!
Okay, you’d like to think that every condom you and your
partner use is in perfect condition and they should be. But it doesn’t hurt to
check the condom before you jump on in, especially if it’s been kicking around
in your purse for a while. Even the smallest nick or tear will mean the condom
won’t be effective at doing what it does best – protecting both of you! Check
for expiration dates too and a bonus tip is to make sure you store the condoms
properly because packed wallets or purses can cause damage.
4. Thinking men are the only ones
who should handle condoms!
This one is about empowering you to take control of your own
sexual health. One way to do that is to stock up on your own condoms and carry
them with you for when the time is right. It’ll not only give you greater
control but make your sex life even better than it is. Don’t assume that your
man should take care of this side of things and don’t be shy when you go to
make the purchase – there’s absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about!
5. Not using a condom at all!
If you’re having sex on a regular basis, you need to be
taking responsibility and carrying condoms with you at all times. Fail to do
this and there’s a very good chance you’ll end up with an STD. Sure, use the
condom in tandem with the Pill or an IUD for even better protection, but
condoms are a great form of birth control and protection against STDs so pack
them in your bag and worry less.