How effective are condoms?
Condoms are highly effective in preventing pregnancy and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used consistently and correctly. According to statistics, condoms are approximately 98% effective in preventing pregnancy with perfect use and about 85% effective with typical use.
The Statistics
Condoms are often cited as 98% effective in preventing pregnancy.
You might be thinking, “I know how to use a condom!” However, when considering human error, condoms are actually around 82% effective (Source: NHS).
This means that approximately 18% of individuals relying solely on condoms for contraception may experience pregnancy within a year.
"Approximately 18% of individuals who rely solely on condoms for contraception may experience pregnancy within a year."
How Can I Make Sure I’m in the 98%?
You might believe you’re well-informed, but taking the time to educate yourself on proper condom usage is crucial to being part of the 98% who use them effectively. Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to correctly use condoms.
Crucially, ensure the condom is rolled onto an erect penis before any contact with your partner's mouth or genital area.
1. Verify the expiration date.
While condoms typically have a long shelf life, usually lasting at least a few years from manufacture, it’s advisable to always check the expiration date before use. Expired condoms are more prone to tearing during sexual activity.
Open the packet carefully to avoid causing any damage. And remember, when opening, avoid using your teeth.
2. Get the condom ready.
Practice is key. Ensure the condom is readily available to be rolled onto the penis immediately. Position it with the rim on the outside, resembling a little hat.
If you accidentally attempt to put it on the wrong way and it comes into contact with the penis, don’t attempt to flip it over and continue. Instead, discard it and use a new one (and perhaps turn on the lights for better visibility).
3. Pinch ‘n’ Roll
Pinch the tip of the condom before placing it onto the head of your penis. The pinching is very important, as this gives a bit of room to collect semen and helps avoid bursting the condom.
If uncircumcised, you’ll probably want to pull back the foreskin first.
Now just roll it – alllllll the way down.
4. Have Fun
Do what you came to do.
5. Make a Careful Exit
Soon after ejaculating, hold onto the end of the condom and pull out of your partner. This needs to be before the penis goes soft, as this would cause the condom to become loose and risk semen escaping.
6. Throw It Away
Carefully take the condom off. Do this away from your partner, in case there are any accidental spillages. You don’t want to fail at the last hurdle!
Throw the condom away in a bin. Don’t flush it down the toilet as this will likely cause a blockage.
HOT TIPS
So, that’s the basic process. If you really want to boost the effectiveness, try following these hot tips.
Store them away from sharp objects and direct sunlight. An ideal spot is a bedside table drawer. Avoid locations prone to heat or moisture such as pockets, cars, or bathrooms, as these can damage them over time.
Certainly, ensure to check not only the expiry date but also examine the packet for any signs of damage such as holes. If there are any tears or if the packet feels sticky in any way, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Since you’ll need a new condom every time you have sex, it’s smart to always keep some readily available. Running to the shop last minute can be inconvenient and may lead to the temptation to forgo protection.
While most condoms come pre-lubricated, adding extra lubricant can enhance comfort and further reduce the risk of breakage. It’s a double win!
Indeed, oil-based lubricants can degrade latex condoms, leading to breakage. So, steer clear of products like Vaseline and massage oils when using latex condoms.
Explore the option of combining condoms with another form of contraception for added protection.
Combining condoms with another form of contraception, significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. Let’s break down the math:
With perfect use, condoms are 98% effective, and the contraceptive pill is over 99% effective. When used together, the chance of both failing is:
0.02 x 0.01 = 0.0002
That’s just a 0.02% chance, or one in every 5,000 people!
Even when accounting for human error, with a condom effectiveness of 82% and contraceptive pill effectiveness of 91%:
0.18 x 0.09 = 0.0162
This translates to a 1.62% chance of failure, or roughly 1 or 2 people out of every hundred.
This example illustrates that combining two forms of contraception drastically reduces the risk of failure.