widely promoted as one of the most effective ways of preventing the
transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, but a recent
study has found that incorrect use of condoms is common and affects their
effectiveness.
Indiana University's Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and
Reproduction conducted a review of global literature
IRIN/PlusNews has put together a list of suggestions based on some of the
common errors reported:
1. Use it from beginning to end* - Sometimes the condom is applied once
intercourse has already started, or removed before intercourse has ended.
The review found that this error was frequently reported; another common
mistake was starting sex before the condom was unrolled to the base of the
penis. Condoms should be fully applied before intercourse has begun and
should only be removed once intercourse is finished.
2 Do not completely unroll the condom before putting it on* - A 2002
study
158 US college men found that 25 percent completely unrolled the
condom before putting it on, rather than the correct method, which involves
rolling the condom on to an erect penis.
3. Leave a space at the tip of the condom* - Generally, it is recommended
that a space of about 1cm be left at the top of the condom to collect
semen; if no space is left, there is a risk that the semen may run down the
sides of the condom and leak out before the penis is withdrawn. Three
studies reviewed reported prevalence rates for not leaving space at the
tip, ranging from 24.3 percent to 45.7 percent.
4. Squeeze air from the tip before use* - Excess air should be removed
from a condom before use, as it can cause breakage. In a 2005 US study,
41.6 percent of men and 48.1 percent of women reported that air was not
squeezed from the tip before use.
5 Put the condom on right way up* - The study found that another common
condom error was putting the condom on inside out and then flipping it over
and using it the right way round; this poses risks because it potentially
exposes the sexual partner to pre-ejaculate once the condom is flipped to
the correct side. If the condom is put on inside out, it is best to discard
it and use a fresh one.
6 How to use a condom Check the expiration date Make sure you can feel
the air bubble in the closed packet Carefully open the condom Ensure it
is the right side up Ensure there is about 1cm of space at the tip Place
the condom on the penis Roll it all the way to the base Hold on to the
base of the condom when withdrawing Dispose of the condom Be careful not
to damage the condom* - The study reported the use of sharp objects to open
the packet, knowingly using a damaged condom or not checking for physical
damage. Condom packets should not be opened with fingernails, scissors or
other sharp objects.
7 Use the right lubricant* - Some common lubrication issues include the use
of un-lubricated condoms, which increases the risk of breakage, and
oil-based lubricants, which break down the latex and make it more likely to
break. If lubricant is required, water-based lubricants are preferable to
reduce the risk of breakage.
8 Withdraw correctly* - Not holding the base of the condom during
withdrawal can lead to leakage. Incorrect withdrawal was reported in as
many as 57 percent of condom-use events in one study.
9. Store safely and check expiration dates - Ideally, condoms should be
kept in a cool, dry place; condoms in wallets or in back pockets for long
periods are not a good idea, as body heat can weaken them. Incorrect
storage was reported by 19.1 percent of participants in a 2003 US study.
10. Do not re-use* - Condoms are intended for single use, and should be
disposed of after intercourse. Re-use of condoms was rarely reported in the
studies in this review, but may be more common in less economically
developed countries or among the poor. In Kenya, at least one community
reported washing and
re-using
the long distance between villages and health centres providing free
condoms.
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