Pearl index
In the 30s of the last century, the American biologist Raymond Pearl, trying to satisfy the interest of millions of women and men, compiled a table of the effectiveness of various methods of contraception.
He calculated how many girls out of 100 using one or another method of contraception accidentally became pregnant within a year. The purpose of the study is to understand what method is best to protect yourself in order to avoid getting pregnant.
Of course, a hundred years ago contraceptives were not the same as they are now. Therefore, doctors, using the Pearl method, update data from time to time taking into account new technologies.
According to modern data, a condom has a Pearl index from 2 to 15. That is, exactly this number of couples out of a hundred, constantly using it, conceived a child within a year. This is the answer to the question of whether you can get pregnant using a condom.
Why is there such a wide range – from 2 to 15? It all depends on the specific situation. How many girls got pregnant depended on the brand of the condom, how skillfully it was put on, whether it could burst or tear, etc. So, you can get pregnant, and the probability is quite high. More reliable means of contraception, according to Pearl, are birth control pills and intrauterine devices. However, they are not suitable for everyone and not in all situations.
Moreover, the good old “contact”, in addition to protecting against unwanted pregnancy, also protects against sexually transmitted infections. Having sex without a condom if your relationship has not reached the “together forever” stage is an unjustified risk. The most reliable option in such a situation may be a properly selected combined oral contraceptive in combination with a condom.
By the way, girls, if you are afraid that your boyfriend will find out that you have started taking COCs and will persuade you to have sex without a condom, remember that taking pills does not have to be advertised...
https://youtu.be/mLaH3gcjtPc
How to choose and apply them correctly?
Many women approach the choice of oral contraceptives not only incorrectly, but also completely irresponsibly.
In most cases, women rely on the experience of their friends, acquaintances, or available information from the Internet.
It is important to understand clearly! A product that is ideal for one woman may be completely unacceptable for another. Therefore, the choice of a contraceptive drug must always be agreed upon with a gynecologist.
Estrogen-containing contraceptives themselves, correctly selected by a gynecologist for a particular woman, are one of the most effective ways to protect against unwanted pregnancy
To correctly select the appropriate pills, your doctor may prescribe a number of the following tests:
- general blood analysis;
- vaginal smear;
- full gynecological examination;
- examination of the mammary glands for pathology;
- do an ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
- examination of the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys for signs of possible diseases;
- The main analysis is to check for hormones.
After reviewing the results, the doctor will confidently be able to choose the drug that suits your health condition, as well as the individual characteristics of your body.
This procedure for selecting a contraceptive is recommended to avoid unforeseen serious consequences from taking a contraceptive. Particular attention is paid to the selection of pills for pregnant women due to the possible negative impact of some pills on the fetus. To eliminate the influence of hormones on the child, the doctor will select the most gentle option for contraception .
A similar approach is taken when choosing a contraceptive for women during menopause. With the right choice of contraceptive drug, it will be possible not only to avoid pregnancy, but also to remove or weaken the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
Contraceptive drugs are available in tablet form in packs of 21 or 28 pieces. A dosage regimen is outlined regarding the number of tablets.
If there are 21 tablets in a package, then the product is taken for exactly 21 days. This should be followed by a seven-day break, which usually coincides with menstruation. On day 8, start taking the next package of the product you are using.
Progestin-only oral contraceptives (mini-pills) can be a solution for smoking women over 35 years old.
If there are 28 tablets in the package, then the drug is taken without interruptions, drink 1 tablet daily. To achieve maximum effectiveness of the contraceptive, it is recommended to take the tablets at the same time of day.
If you are using contraception in the first month, then it is best to start taking birth control pills at the very beginning of the MC. That is, take the first pill on the first day of your cycle.
The effectiveness of this method of use is due to the fact that in this case additional protection with other contraceptives (condoms, etc.) is not required.
If you start taking a contraceptive a week after the start of menstruation, this may lead to a loss of effectiveness of the product.
Moreover, for about another month the risk of becoming pregnant will remain after birth control pills taken without following this rule. There are many known cases of people becoming pregnant for this reason.
Accordingly, quite often one can hear dissatisfaction about the insufficient effect of contraceptives.
For example, a woman took Regulon birth control pills and is outraged by the fact that she conceived.
However, when the circumstances were clarified, it turned out that taking these oral contraceptives was not the cause of pregnancy.
You need to take these pills at the same time every day.
The factor behind unplanned fertilization was a simple failure to comply with the instructions for use.
Refusal of the drug may be due to various reasons:
- when planning a child;
- when changing contraceptives;
- if you feel worse:
- before surgery.
If surgery is planned, you will need to take a month's break to prevent thrombosis. In order to avoid pain or side effects after stopping the contraceptive drug, the following recommendations must be strictly followed:
- refusal of OCs is unacceptable without consulting a doctor;
- you need to finish your entire cycle of the drug; you cannot stop without completing the course;
- Abrupt withdrawal is not allowed; a gradual discontinuation is recommended according to the scheme established by the gynecologist.
In what situation can you get pregnant?
It is possible to get pregnant with a condom, and there are situations that contribute to an unwanted pregnancy:
- The condom is not put on correctly. If it is difficult to unwind, then you are putting it on the wrong way. Then during the act it can jump off or remain inside. Learn to use this product correctly.
- If you open the package with your teeth, the product may tear. It doesn't matter that it looks sexy and saves time. A broken condom is a direct path to getting your partner pregnant. The chance of getting pregnant if a condom breaks is the same as if you didn't use any protection at all.
- Wrong size. If it is large, then a situation where the condom slips or falls off is not so uncommon. Therefore, you should not flatter yourself by buying size XXL.
- The product is worn during or at the end of PA. The fact is that male lubricant (before ejaculation) contains sperm, which is sometimes enough for conception. This method will not save you from pregnancy.
- A bad habit is to use one product “all the time.” Once you use it, throw it away. Each new act is a new product.
- The expiration date has expired or the product was stored incorrectly (for example, in the sun) or near the stove. Latex breaks down easily when exposed to heat. Only those who are not averse to the girl becoming pregnant can use an expired condom.
- They forgot to remove the air from the “head” of the condom. As a result, it may tear or slip.
- When using fat-containing lubricants, the integrity of the condom can be compromised and you can get pregnant.
- The chance of getting pregnant using a condom is higher for couples with a stormy temperament. The condom stretches, subtle micro-tears appear through which sperm can penetrate. This is the answer to the question of whether it is possible to get pregnant through a condom.
- If the condom is left inside or if the condom breaks, the girl should calculate whether she has dangerous days. And if so, take a postcoital contraceptive (for example, Postinor). Keep in mind that this is very harmful, so weigh the pros and cons. Maybe conceiving is not such an undesirable option for you?
And even if the condom did not break, if other rules for its use are not violated, it still will not protect against pregnancy with a 100% guarantee. In general, any protection does not provide such a guarantee.
Not harmless tricks
Sometimes partners have different views on whether it is worth having a child in the near future. A young man, or more often a girl, having failed to convince his partner that it is time to resolve the demographic issue (in the country and in an individual couple), resort to various tricks. In particular, they turn to Yandex with the question: “How to get pregnant with a condom?”
One of the options that the Internet offers for such intriguers is not to throw away the used condom, but to leave it and then inject its contents with a syringe into the vagina. How long do sperm live in a condom? Experts say about 3-4 hours. Therefore, conception is possible during this time.
The forums also suggest piercing the product. After all, if you pierce it, pregnancy is quite likely.
But the idea that pregnancy will solve relationship problems and that the man will ultimately be happy with the baby is completely wrong. Left alone, a pregnant girl may bitterly regret her cunning.
Even if a man gets married (or, if you are married, agrees to have a child), the birth of a baby is unlikely to make him all that happy. Yes, sometimes a child binds spouses. But the state of a person “tied” hand and foot is a state far from happiness.
Rules for using and storing a condom
If a couple does not want to protect themselves from pregnancy with other contraceptives, the following rules should be followed to help protect the woman from unplanned conception:
- It is better to purchase products only from reliable manufacturers who have proven high quality products. Such products will not be cheap.
- Do not store contraceptives in purses, trouser pockets, bags or other places where the product may tear.
- Do not leave birth control pills in places that are very hot, such as near radiators or the front panel of the car.
- When purchasing, always check the expiration date of the condom.
- When using a condom, choose the appropriate branding that matches the size of the man's penis. A too small one will break, and a large one will slip off at the wrong moment. Then the likelihood of getting pregnant without a condom increases significantly.
- Do not wear the same condom left over from last time.
- Use contraception, even if the days of the calendar cycle are safe.
- In order to exclude unwanted pregnancy, it should be worn during an erection according to the rules specified in the instructions.
- Do not open the package with teeth or other sharp objects.
- To ensure reliable protection, do not touch the product with your nails when putting it on.
- If there is a lack of natural moisture in the vagina, use water-based lubricants. Lubricants containing fat damage the integrity of the product and increase the chance of getting pregnant using a condom.
After sex, when the guy has finished, the penis should be removed in an erect state, holding the protective ring with your hand.
Easy to use
Rules for using condoms
Following simple rules will help avoid the above problems and, as a result, unwanted pregnancy:
- Do not store condoms in your pocket, wallet, or purse, because heat and humid atmosphere will damage the product.
- Do not open the condom package with your teeth or sharp objects, which can also damage it.
- Do not use condoms that have expired. When buying them at the pharmacy, pay attention to this.
- Wear this contraceptive during sex or at the end of sexual intercourse, because the pre-seminal fluid also contains sperm.
- Do not use two condoms at the same time. This will not increase their protective function, and the sensations will definitely be dulled.
- Do not reuse a used condom. It will not protect against pregnancy and disease. A condom is a disposable means of contraception.
- You should not leave a condom on after intercourse. After ejaculation, the penis decreases in size and thus sperm can escape from the condom.
- Do not use products that contain oil and fat. These products cause latex to rupture, which poses a risk of unwanted pregnancy.
- If during sexual intercourse there is a feeling that the condom has broken, then sexual intercourse should be stopped and the condom replaced.
- When different types of sexual intercourse are used during sex, you should change the condom after each of them.
Is it possible to get pregnant with a condom?
Interrupted sexual intercourse or the use of chemical contraception provides less protection against unwanted fertilization, but the possibility of becoming pregnant with a condom also exists. If we consider the probability of getting pregnant using a whole condom, then the failure rate is 1-2% out of 100.
Using intrauterine devices or oral contraceptives as a method of protection, the effectiveness of protection reaches 100%. Despite the fact that it is possible for a woman to become pregnant even using condoms, they continue to be chosen as a method of reliable contraception.
Let's talk about the reliability of a condom
Most people, especially inexperienced youth, are 100% confident in the reliability of condoms. But this is more a fiction of advertisers and personal beliefs.
In fact, even those instructions written on the product packaging - a 99% guarantee of protection - are a deep misconception. According to the latest statistics, the reliability of condom protection from unwanted pregnancy is a maximum of 95%, and a minimum of 50%. So, the probability of getting pregnant with a condom exists and is quite high.
This is not a call to abandon the “elastic band”, far from it. In real life, everything is much more prosaic: every second couple does not risk becoming parents, so have sex using latex contraception. After all, no contraception will give a 100% guarantee of protection, unless of course it is sterilization of one of the partners.
Yes, there are other methods and means of protection, but a condom can also protect against sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.
A condom is a product made of either latex, polyisoprene, silicone, polyurethane, sometimes even lambskin. It looks like an elastic cover, one end of which is closed. A condom protects against the transmission of HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis and many other sexually transmitted diseases.
It is worth considering that condoms lose strength and can break when in contact with oil-based lubricants, in which case it is better to use water-based or silicone products.
Pearl index: 5 - 10
The main reasons for conception, using a condom
There are a number of reasons why you can get pregnant, even using condoms. Very often they are caused by limited stretching of the latex from which the product is made. In such situations, you can stretch the walls of the prezik and examine the resulting white stripes from stretching.
The stress caused by sexual intercourse leads to the formation of microstretches, through which sperm penetrate into the vagina without difficulty. This reason is aggravated by the large size of the penis or the woman’s lack of natural lubrication, which causes the rubber to rupture. Among the reasons for the occurrence of fertilization using condoms are:
- putting on a contraceptive device repeatedly during sex due to its incorrect use at the beginning. This is determined by the difficulty in unwinding the rubber;
- damage to the product when the condom package is opened with teeth;
- misconception about increased protection when using two condoms at the same time;
- reluctance to remove the penis from the vagina if the product is torn;
- using one product with different sexual partners;
- expired or torn condom;
- a broken condom due to the use of unsuitable types of lubricants for rubber.
What is the probability of fertilization?
The Pearl index will help determine what percentage of the probability of getting pregnant using a condom. It refers to the miss rate that leads to the likelihood of getting pregnant with a condom.
Statistics have been kept since 2007. It shows that there is a risk with a protected act and a correctly selected product. It is about 2%. If you look at data from population surveys about whether a girl can get pregnant, even if protected with a condom, the results are disappointing.
According to survey results, if you have sex with a condom, your chances of getting pregnant increase to 15%. This method of protection remains only 5th in effectiveness after sterilization of partners, use of an intrauterine device or hormonal contraceptives.
What to do to avoid getting knocked up by a condom?
Many women are interested in whether it is possible to get pregnant through a condom, and what to do if the products break. Let's look at how to use a condom so that it doesn't break:
- Check the expiration date before use. Some manufacturers do not have it on the packaging at all, so you should not use this product. It is better to check the suitability at the time of purchase at the pharmacy.
- If you are using this method for the first time, read the instructions. It clearly shows how to put on a contraceptive right away.
- If you are having sex and feel that the condom has burst, immediately remove the penis from the vagina. To complete the act, a new product is required that protects against conception.
- Men who are sexually active and have sex with different partners should change their contraceptive after each contact.
Sometimes the product breaks due to lack of natural lubrication. In this case, it is necessary to extend the foreplay time. If necessary, use water-based lubricants.
Excellent protective functions
What else needs to be taken into account
If you have chosen a condom as a method of contraception, then it is advisable to familiarize yourself with its types. We are not talking about color, smell and the presence of additional details to enhance sensations. You should know that most affordable rubber products are made from latex. If for some reason they are not suitable for you, dryness occurs in the vagina, which can lead to its rupture, then it is better to try polyurethane products. They are more reliable, but also a little more expensive than latex ones.
Buy condoms only in pharmacies, as they are stored according to all the rules. And even if the price of a condom in a pharmacy differs from those products that can be found on market shelves, you should not think about saving. The reason for pregnancy with a condom may be due to improper storage of the products.
If you have stocked up on condoms for future use, it is better to store them in a cool, dark place, in a medicine cabinet or nightstand. And don't forget about deadlines. Expired products cannot be used. And yet, you cannot use products if there is no batch number, expiration date and manufacturer on the packaging.
If you are doing everything right, and pregnancy has occurred, do as your heart tells you, but remember that becoming a mother is a great happiness!
Rating of protection during sex of this contraceptive
If you are not satisfied with a condom, there are other methods of protection that will help you avoid getting pregnant:
- uterine caps;
- diaphragms;
- hormonal pills;
- intrauterine device;
- hormonal injections;
- candles, etc.
Any of the methods can fail. If used properly and with a condom that does not break, unwanted fertilization and sexually transmitted infections can be avoided.
Themis
Femidom is a female condom that protects against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Inserted inside the vagina. It looks like a cylinder made of a synthetic material (elastic film), with one closed end and two tight elastic rings. Thanks to this shape, it is securely fixed inside. Femidom can be used by women who are allergic to latex, as it is made of polyurethane.
Side effects: discomfort may occur, itching, irritation, and sometimes even pain.
The Pearl index (showing the effectiveness of a contraceptive method: the lower the indicator, the more reliable the contraceptive method) is: 5 - 25
Liliya Farrakhova (gynecologist-endocrinologist at Professor Yutskovskaya’s clinic, candidate of medical sciences): “Femidom allows a woman to fully control the process of protection from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Unfortunately, in Russia it is almost impossible to buy femidoms in a pharmacy.”
Actions if the contraceptive breaks
If a condom is punctured or it slips, you need to take measures as soon as possible at home. These methods do not guarantee the effectiveness of birth control, and sometimes lead to health problems:
- going to the toilet. During urination, some of the sperm comes out in the urine. But this does not give guarantees - for fertilization it is enough if there is only one sperm left;
- taking a shower with soap in the first minutes after sex. This method is considered effective because soap contains substances that have a spermicidal effect;
- douching with potassium permanganate. This method causes a change in the pH of the vagina, causing sperm activity to decrease. However, a large concentration of the substance leads to damage to the genital mucosa, so be careful;
- spermicidal tablets. If you had sex and the condom might get pierced, Pharmatex is a common drug. You can dissolve the tablet in water and douche. This method is not highly reliable, i.e. sperm move quickly and can reach the uterus by the time of processing;
- The most reliable way for people taking contraception if they accidentally puncture a condom is to take postcoital contraceptives - Postinor. If you take it according to the instructions, then the likelihood of pregnancy is reduced to zero. However, do not use this method often, because the pills contain a lethal dose of hormones that are harmful to the body and can cause strange menstruation or bleeding.
Analogs
Let's look at contraceptive analogues and what is the probability of fertilization:
Name | Percentage of protection (Pearl index), taken per year/per 100 women |
Hormonal capsules | 0,3 |
Oral contraceptives | 0,5 |
Intrauterine device | 1 |
Hormonal injections | 1 |
Vaginal ring | 1,18 |
Emergency contraception | 2,4 |
Unwanted pregnancy using contraception: what are the chances?
According to doctors, pregnant women with a condom can be divided into a separate group when fertilization occurred due to improper use of a contraceptive or a product of suspicious quality. This happens very rarely.
If you are far from planning and signs of pregnancy, have sex in products purchased at pharmacies. If people do not pay attention to these rules, then pregnancy will come soon in their lives.
With consistent use of a whole, high-quality contraceptive, the likelihood of conception is reduced to zero. If older couples have sex and want to play it safe, you can additionally use spermicides, which are applied to the man's genitals before using a condom.
What is a condom and how to use it correctly
A condom is a latex product made of very thin rubber that prevents sperm from entering the vagina. The product is disposable and is used as needed. You can buy a condom at any pharmacy, as well as at any grocery store and supermarket.
It looks like a thin transparent elastic cap that fits over the erect penis. There are several dozen varieties of this contraceptive: with double lubrication, with bulges, with additional antennae. You can also choose a product to suit your taste in the literal sense of the word - with a strawberry aroma, with the aroma of vanilla, chocolate, banana, rose and even tobacco. In addition, you can purchase exclusive, expensive models of condoms, with patterns and gold plating, or cheaper products, distinguished by bright colors.
Reviews from forums
Anna Elova, 26 years old:
We had regular sex life with the young man for more than two years. We didn’t know why we couldn’t keep condoms in our wallet. Once they accidentally took it out in a rush and touched the edge of the package, and the contraceptive also tore. They didn’t notice it right away, but found out a month later - when I was already 8 weeks pregnant. Now our son is growing up.
Andrey Gavrilin, 34 years old:
I always buy condoms because I have a busy sex life. Check carefully before use. Somehow the partner had little natural lubrication, and the condom broke.
We immediately ran to the pharmacy and bought Postinor for her. I took the pills and it went away. Now I carefully approach the choice of contraceptives.
Even more interesting:
Ulcer on the head in men photo
Tongue with rubella in children
About the author : Borovikova Olga Igorevna
The problem of “can you get pregnant when having sex with a condom” is on the agenda of many women. These include young women who have just embarked on the path of great sex, and experienced adult ladies who prefer this barrier method.
To clearly understand this issue, you need to find out the advantages and disadvantages of this type of contraception, as well as find out the reasons for pregnancy with a barrier method of contraception and the risks of such protection against conception. In addition, it is advisable to know about other possibilities for increasing the reliability of protection.
What do we know from history
It’s interesting, but humanity has long been concerned about the problem of sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms were first discovered in 3000 BC. An incredibly interesting legend about the invention of the protective product is as follows. The Greek king Minos had a very jealous wife. The husband was distinguished by his love of love and could not resist the charms of young beauties. The wife did not put up with her husband’s behavior and cursed him. Every time he went to bed with a new girl, poisonous scorpions and snakes “came out” of him and bit his partner to death. Everyone in the area quickly learned about the king’s peculiarities and the ladies began to avoid meeting him. But the king himself did not come to terms with this peculiarity that came from nowhere and came up with the following: he would insert the bladder of a mountain goat into the vagina of the next girl. Surprisingly, she survived, but her wife never found out anything. This is how the first condom appeared. But this is just a legend.
Subsequently, from century to century, scientists found different information about the evolution of the condom. For example, in Egypt, the first product was made from leather for Pharaoh Tutankhamun. In ancient Rome, condoms were made from resin, and a special composition was applied to prevent it from sticking to the genitals. A little later, the Romans began to take dried sheep intestines with them on long journeys.
From the history of the Middle Ages we can learn that Columbus’s team returning from the expedition brought with them not only rubber, but also syphilis. It was from this moment that a new era of development and improvement of the condom began, which was originally used as protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
The advantage of condoms as contraception
The condom is a barrier method of contraception that has long been familiar to everyone, and is rightfully considered one of the most reliable.
Outwardly, it looks like a thin and practical transparent sheath that is put on the male penis immediately before sexual intercourse. The material used is latex or special plastic (polyurethane).
Currently, pharmacies and stores offer a wide range of these essential products. They differ in color, thickness, size, and the presence of additional options for more intense pleasure during intimacy.
Pregnancy protection
The traditional function of this thin latex product is to enable a woman to avoid unwanted conception. It is on her that most women of fertile age rely. Therefore, small bags should always be on hand.
It is quite easy to use, unlike other methods.
In addition, it has no serious contraindications, and even women who are not suitable for other popular contraceptives (pills, suppositories, spirals, etc.) can use it.
Protection against sexually transmitted diseases
Condom also protects both partners well during sexual intimacy. It prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted infections that are “popular” among the population during vaginal, oral or anal contact.
A thin film does not allow fluids released by the body to pass through, which may contain infectious agents. These are vaginal secretions and semen.
Such unpleasant and difficult to treat diseases as genital warts and herpes will not be able to continue their path if you use this barrier remedy.
Hormonal injections
Hormonal injections contain the hormone progestogen. It is this hormone, due to constant penetration into the blood, that stops the production of eggs. In addition, progestogen increases the viscosity of the mucus produced by the cervix, and sperm cannot penetrate inside.
The drug is administered intramuscularly: into the buttock or forearm. It lasts from 8 to 13 weeks, depending on the type of injection. This method is suitable for breastfeeding women, as well as those who cannot use products containing estrogen.
Side effects: Weight gain, headaches, mood swings, breast pain, periods may become irregular or long, or stop altogether.
Pearl index: 0.3 - 1.4
Yulia Ovodova: “Hormon-containing methods of contraception undoubtedly require the additional use of barrier methods of contraception in HIV-positive people. In addition, adjustment of their dose or the dose of ART drugs is required, as they affect the bioavailability of each other. The injection does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.”
Liliya Farrakhova: “Contraceptive injections are a method of hormonal contraception that contains a substance similar to the natural hormone progesterone, which is produced by a woman’s ovaries. The most popular type of contraceptive injection is Depo-Provera, which protects against unwanted pregnancy for 12 weeks.
Flaws
One of the main disadvantages of a condom is the reduction in the level of pleasure during sexual intercourse. Even the thinnest film reduces sensitivity. It is condoms that men tend to blame for decreased sensitivity.
Also, one of the disadvantages is putting it on immediately before intimacy. Many people are outraged by the fact that they must always be “on edge” in order to remember item No. 2. Some people find them unsightly.
Protection against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections is not complete. There is always a risk of catching a disease from a sick person.
In addition, pregnancy is possible with a condom. There is always a chance of an unwanted pregnancy.
What are the benefits of contraception?
First of all, a condom protects partners from contracting sexually transmitted infections, naturally, when used correctly. Therefore, if one of the partners has an infection or is suspected of it, then it is simply necessary to use condoms.
It would not be amiss to mention such a serious disease as AIDS. Everyone knows that correct use of a condom is the only chance to avoid infection.
The second advantage is that the use of this contraceptive is allowed to everyone without exception, and age is not a hindrance. Young couples and middle-aged and older people can use condoms. There are also no contraindications for use, except that some people have latex intolerance (an extremely rare phenomenon), as well as an allergic reaction to certain types of lubricant that are applied to the latex surface of the product.
If you use a condom correctly, you can count on 100% protection against infection and conception. If we compare condoms with contraceptives and intrauterine devices, then condoms do not have the same contraindications and side effects as other contraceptives.
And the most important thing is ease of use. A condom can either be used or not; no intervention in the body or adherence to the regimen (with oral contraceptives) is necessary.
Since everyone knows about the advantages of “rubber product No. 2,” it would not be amiss to mention the disadvantages. This applies more to men, but women are no exception either. According to many couples, partners notice a decrease in sensitivity during intercourse. In addition, you have to stop in the middle of the love act to put on the rubber protection.
Reasons for pregnancy with a condom
They leave their choice on condoms as a method of reliable contraception, although it does not provide a 100% guarantee. When using them, women risk their health less, reducing the likelihood of unexpected conception.
Reasons for unwanted pregnancy with a condom:
- Microstretch marks on latex body. This is due to the stress that the manufacturing material experiences during sexual intercourse.
- Large size of the penis, causing a rupture of the protective layer.
- Lack of natural lubrication in the female vagina. This also causes microdamage to the latex, which is sufficient for sperm to penetrate.
- Re-applying the condom.
- Damage during unpacking. For example, when opening with teeth.
- Use of male and female condoms at the same time.
- Expired product expiration date.
- Lubricants unsuitable for a particular type of condom.
- The condom broke and the penis was not removed in time.
- One condom was used simultaneously with different partners.
How to increase your protection: safety rules
Using a condom during sex does not guarantee the ability to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Or catch a disease that is not usually mentioned in polite society.
However, there is always an opportunity to increase the degree of security of your personal life by developing some clear rules for yourself. Clear and scrupulous application of this algorithm will help avoid troubles in the present and future.
Choice of product
Under no circumstances should a woman be left to her partner to purchase protective equipment. Especially if he is new, and she is not familiar with the habits of this man, and it is absolutely forbidden to become pregnant.
You need to know that condoms are often purchased anywhere (shops, kiosks), stored carelessly (pockets, car glove compartment) and because of this they lose their quality, turning into brittle rubber.
Therefore, it is better for ladies to take care of their health, buy protective equipment at the pharmacy and store it in a safe place, protected from various unfavorable factors (sun, heat, scissors, needles, etc.).
When purchasing and storing, be sure to check the expiration date. Unclaimed expired models should be mercilessly thrown away. Constantly replenish the amount of protective equipment.
When purchasing lubricants, you need to find out that a water base was used in their manufacture. You should absolutely not take substitutes: Vaseline, baby soap, hand cream or massage lotion.
There is also a point that many males are very concerned about obtaining maximum pleasure during sexual intercourse. Therefore, they buy condoms marked “sensitive”, “ultra-thin” or “super-gentle”. But consumers do not know that these condoms are intended for oral sex. Liquids do not pass through them. But during coitus, they tear very quickly, and the partner can become pregnant. Pleasure seekers think little about how much a woman risks.
Also, representatives of the fair sex should pay attention to condoms with the inscription “with spermicide” on the packaging. In the event of a rupture, this lubricant can partially protect against unwanted conception, although this possibility always remains. And there is a danger with regular use of this type of protection that there may be a risk of developing thrush (bacterial vaginosis). Cause: permanent damage in the woman's vagina to normal microbial relationships.
Integrity check
Condoms undergo an initial integrity check during production. But you shouldn’t rely entirely on it. During storage, transportation, loading and unloading, packaging and unpacking, anything can happen to products. Unfortunately, not all sellers will protect goods from hazardous factors.
The main thing is to purchase products only from trusted manufacturers. Carefully monitor the expiration date and store correctly.
Before using any condoms you must:
- Assess the condition of the packaging. There should be no holes or abrasions.
- Check for air. To do this, you need to lightly press on it. If there is slight resistance, this means that the condom bag is not damaged.
- Move the contents of the package slightly. If it moves, this indicates that the lubricant is fresh. However, this check is only possible with lubricated models.
Do not open the bags with teeth or scissors.
After opening the protective equipment, an integrity check is also carried out. To do this, touch the product with your fingers. It should not be too sticky, dry or hard.
You can also carry out checks using water and air, but you need to know that after this product No. 2 will simply have to be thrown away. If you really want to, you can take one from the package and test all similar methods on it. But this does not provide any guarantee for others.
How to put on a condom correctly
When putting on a condom, it can also be damaged. As a safety measure, you should remove jewelry from your fingers and be careful when having a sharp, fashionable manicure. All this can damage the latex shell.
Rules for putting on protection:
- When putting it on, the very tip of the product is compressed with the index finger and thumb. This is done so that there is space left to receive the male seed. The rest of the condom is carefully rolled out along the shaft of the penis.
- It is necessary to pay attention to the size of the condom: it should not be large or small. It cannot be twisted back or moved freely.
It is better to purchase the correct size in advance by measuring the length of the man's penis during erection and its width.
Sexual activity
Practicing safe sex allows women to enjoy intimacy. And her active life position helps minimize the likelihood of getting pregnant.
To improve your intimate life, you should:
- Always have a supply of high-quality male condoms on hand, preferably several types and sizes. Use them for all types of intimacy.
- Purchase and learn to use female condoms. Follow the instructions for them.
- During intimate intimacy, do not leave the use of barrier methods to your partner. It is better to learn how to put on and remove a condom yourself.
- Do not allow it to be reused.
- Visit doctors regularly. And demand the same from your partner. If he does not want to follow safety requirements, then it would be wiser to change him.
- Take a responsible approach to sexual relationships and choosing a partner.
The most important thing for a woman is to always put personal safety first.