10 Condom Myths to Bust During National Condom Week
The truth behind common condom misconceptions
It’s Valentine’s Day and Cupid’s arrow hit you and your partner straight through the heart — so of course, you head straight to the bedroom. But not so fast, you horny little rabbits! Do you have some condoms handy? You see, perhaps not coincidentally, Valentine’s Day also marks the start of National Condom Week, so February 14 to 21 is also a time to think about protection. Do you think you know all there is to know about condoms? There have always been misconceptions about condoms and their use, and now is the perfect time to start busting them. The following are some common condom myths that people believe, and the truth behind them.
Condoms Are Always Uncomfortable
This is a common misconception that both men and women have about condoms, and according to Dainis Graveris, certified sex educator and relationship expert at SexualAlpha, they believe this because often in the heat of the moment, a man takes a break to put on a condom, and during that time, it can slow down the sexual momentum or end it entirely.
“One reason men and even women feel uncomfortable around wearing a condom is that the guy often takes a break from the action building up between them just to put on the condom,” he explained. “What adds to the discomfort is that some guys will lose their erection while suiting up, and some are even unable to maintain their erections once it’s on.”
Also, Graveris says some men have certain beliefs about the tightness of condoms that contribute to the myth they will always be uncomfortable.
“A lot of men believe that condoms are only effective when they are tight enough to be worn around their penis,” he said. “When men particularly look at the tight rolled-out end of the condom, they have all these disturbing thoughts that this additional layer of rubber will just suffocate or constrict their penis, making the overall experience uncomfortable.”
The answer to this, Graveris suggests, is to find the type of condom that fits like a glove, rather than settling for one that doesn’t feel quite right.
“When finding the right condom that you can use, always consider its size or fit. Choose a condom that is too small, and it can tear or irritate your penis. Choose a condom that is too big, and it can easily slip off,” he said. “If you are not allergic to latex, you can start trying latex condoms because they are the most stretchable. Measure your penis while it is erect, and be sure to determine its length, width, and girth.”
“Many people associate STDs with penetrative intercourse, and this leaves them vulnerable to contracting these kinds of diseases in other ways.” — Mia Sabat
Condoms Aren’t Effective for Preventing Pregnancy
In some cases, people will refuse to use condoms because they believe that when it comes to pregnancy prevention, they are ineffective. This, according to Dr. Monica Grover, DO, MS Double Board Certified Gynecologist at VSPOT Medi Spa, is because they have heard information from others that there is a high rate of pregnancy incidence when using a condom. However, the actual statistics reveal this is far from the truth and the failure rate boils down to incorrect condom usage.
“With perfect use, condoms are 98 percent effective against pregnancy, but with typical use, condoms are about 85 percent effective. Typical uses can include using a condom past its expiration date, using the wrong size, not placing it on properly, or putting it on too late (pre-ejaculate can cause pregnancy), as well as opening the package with a sharp fingernail or a sharp object, which can inadvertently puncture the condom. With perfect use, the risk of unintended pregnancy would be mitigated and the efficacy of condoms would be much higher.”
Condoms Look and Feel the Same As They Did 30 Years Ago
AASECT Certified Sex Educator and Sex Educator Supervisor Dr. Logan Levkoff says that one common myth about condoms is that they haven’t changed over the years and the condoms people remember seeing in textbooks during sex education classes are the same ones being sold today. However, these classroom materials can be dated and there have not been enough updates to illustrate the variety of condoms that are currently available.
“So many stock photos of condoms look like the old ones — straight wall with a nipple end. The shape of condoms has evolved over time. The fit has changed, the lubricant has changed, the texture and thinness have all changed too,” Levkoff said. “If you aren’t seeing the variety of condoms, you’re less likely to believe that there is innovation.”
Two Condoms Are Better Than One
Another common myth is that if you double up on condoms, you will double your protection. It only makes sense, right? After all, we’re always told that two heads are better than one, so why not put two condoms on a penis or put one on a penis and the other inside of the vaginal canal?
Although at first blush it may seem logical, in this case, doubling up could potentially double your trouble.
“This myth is not only false, but dangerous,” said LELO sex expert Laurie Mintz, Ph.D., author of Becoming Cliterate* and A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex. “That is, having two condoms on a penis or one on a penis and one in the vaginal canal actually increases the friction and makes it more likely that the condoms will break. So this is definitely a case of less is more, and not more is better.”
“Condoms symbolize respect, health, and care for a partner.” — Dr. Logan Levkoff
All Condoms Smell and Taste Like Chemicals
Although this is currently less true, according to Caitlin V. Neal, resident sexologist at Royal, there was actually some truth to the belief that all condoms smell and taste like chemicals — which contributed to some lovers being turned off from using them. However, she says this is now a myth because condoms have come a long way, baby.
“The new truth is that condom companies are changing the game by offering condoms that have neutral tastes and smells, and come in yummy flavors,” Neal said. “They changed the game by asking a novel question: ‘Do condoms need to smell bad’? Then they reengineered the formulas to make a condom that has a surprisingly neutral flavor.”
Condoms Are Not Needed During Oral Sex
This myth has been prevalent because many people believe that condoms are, by design, only meant to be used to protect against pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases spread through penetrative sex.
“This is perhaps due to a lack of knowledge about STD transmission,” said Mia Sabat, in-house certified sex therapist at Emjoy. “Many people associate STDs with penetrative intercourse, and this leaves them vulnerable to contracting these kinds of diseases in other ways.”
Sabat says it’s important to keep in mind that STDs can also be transmitted during oral sex, so it’s necessary to use a dental dam or condom when you let your mouth do the walking. But that doesn’t mean it still can’t be sexy and fun when you do.
“For oral sex, you can consider using flavored condoms or lube,” she suggested. “Safe sex can be very playful and stimulating if you find the right tools.”
Condoms Are Not Needed for Sex Toys
If you think you’re going to circumvent the need for a condom by using sex toys, think again. The myth that condoms are only for penises and not for hard objects of another variety persists because the discussion about STDs is usually not centered around the use of sex toys. However, Bathmate sex expert Kerri Middleton says we absolutely need to have this dialogue because sex toys can carry sexually-transmitted diseases, as well as unwanted bacteria.
“This is probably the biggest myth of all and I think if we opened up the dialogue and became comfortable with talking about such issues, we’ll not only reduce the stigma around what is a very normal act, but also prevent the spread of any unwanted conditions,” she said. “To help prevent the development or spread of such conditions, it’s important to cover toys with a condom if you’re sharing them. Change condoms each time you change partner or change from vaginal to anal use.”
“What adds to the discomfort is that some guys will lose their erection while suiting up, and some are even unable to maintain their erections once it’s on.” — Dainis Graveris
You Don’t Need to Add Lube to Pre-Lubricated Condoms
Although the lubrication you find on condoms may seem sufficient to get the job done when you do the deed, the fact is, it may not be enough, says sexuality educator Mia Barrett, M.Ed., lead author of “Condom Use and Error Experience Among Young Adolescents: Implications for Classroom Instruction” in Health Promotion Practice. Since people may not think they need additional lubrication, they can encounter some problems during sex.
“Most condoms you find at a store come with a little silicone lube on them. That small amount of lube is intended just to keep the latex from drying out,” said Barrett. “During sex, the latex can make sex feel drier and so additional lube may make sex feel even better. Just don’t use oils or common household products like lotion since they can make the condom break.”
Asking Someone to Use a Condom Shows Mistrust
Some people don’t feel comfortable asking their partner to use a condom because they think this request will be perceived as an accusation. However, Levkoff says this belief should be framed in a different way — rather than a form of mistrust, requesting to use a condom can be seen as the ultimate form of affection.
“Condoms symbolize respect, health, and care for a partner,” Levkoff said. “Being able to talk about condoms also means that your partnership is mature enough to handle these critically important conversations.”
Flavored Condoms Can Be Used Safely in the Vagina
Flavored condoms can be a great addition to the bedroom when you’re performing oral sex, however, people are generally not educated on the fact that these condoms aren’t meant to be inserted inside of the vagina, says Neal.
“In truth, most flavored condoms are manufactured with ingredients that can mess with the pH balance of the vagina and should be avoided,” she said. “In the past, condom companies relied on harmful chemical preservatives and actual sugar to create flavors, which often caused imbalanced pH and irritated vulvas and vaginas.”
Did you know all of these condom myths? It can seem overwhelming to consider all the things we need to know about sex, but as the old adage tells us, knowledge is power. And in this case, knowledge is orgasms!
*This article contains affiliate links.
More from Kiki Wellington:
