are condoms really safe?

Question

well i am 18 yrs old & i'm kind of at that point with my boyfriend when i just feel like its time & well i'm still a virgin of course...but i'm just not sure if i can really trust a condom. that is the only thing that holds me back & i certainly do NOT want to have kids at this age...probably never because i can't stand kids lol

but i just want to know, how often do they work? which ones are the ones that i can rely on the most?

Answer 1

How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?

The breakage rate for condoms is two out of 100. Of every 100 couples who use condoms incorrectly and inconsistently, 14 will experience a pregnancy during the first year of use. Of every 100 couples who use condoms correctly and consistently, only three will experience a pregnancy.


And just so you know.

As you unroll the condom, make sure that you leave room at the tip to collect the semen. Some condoms are lubricated, which helps prevent tears. If you use condoms that aren't already lubricated, apply lubricant inside and outside of the condom. With latex condoms, be sure to use only water-based lubricants, such as K-Y jelly. Don't use petroleum- or mineral-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly or baby oil. They can weaken a latex condom and cause it to break.

After intercourse, withdraw the penis while holding the base of the condom so that the condom doesn't come off. Then remove the condom and dispose of it.

It's important to use condoms carefully, correctly and consistently. Here are some tips for properly using and storing condoms:

* Check the expiration date. Don't use a condom after its expiration has passed.
* Check condoms for damage — brittleness, small tears or pinprick holes — before using.
* Open the package carefully. Don't use teeth or fingernails.
* Gently press out air at the tip of the condom before putting it on.
* Place the tip of the rolled-up condom over the erect penis. The rolled rim should be on the outside.
* Unless the condom has a reservoir tip, unroll the condom down over the entire penis and leave room — a half-inch space — at the tip to collect the semen.
* Smooth out any air bubbles to make sure the condom fits correctly. An air bubble could cause the condom to tear or come off.
* If the man is uncircumcised, make sure the foreskin is pulled back before putting on the condom.
* For maximal protection from STDs, use a condom during any sexual activity, whether vaginal, oral or anal. Oral, anal or vigorous vaginal sex can increase the chance of condom breakage.
* Never reuse a condom. If a new condom is put on inside out and does not unroll easily, don't flip it over because there may be semen in it. Use another condom.
* Store condoms in a cool, dry place because condoms exposed to air, heat and light are more likely to break. Don't keep condoms in a billfold, back pocket or glove compartment for an extended period of time. This can cause condom deterioration and breakage as well.

Answer 2

Nothing is 100% effective, but if you go on the pill or Depo shot, you'll have better protection when used with a condom too (needed to protect against STDs). Condoms break, tear, fall off, etc and the pill HAS to be taken the same time every day to be effective. And good for you for being so thoughtful and taking charge of your sexuality. Oh, and when I was your age I said the same exact thing about kids...now I happily have 2 :) so you never know what life has planned for you.

Answer 3

The first time I had sex I was 18 and I wasn't on birth control pills or anything. We used a comdom (durex) and used one the next few times. But I was so paranoid about it not working and what not that it made sex not that enjoyable. So I got on bc pills and I felt better about it. And thank goodness I did cos two times the condom has came OFF! and we didn't notice..(well at least i didn't till after we were done). So you should really get on birth control before and trust me you'll feel safer

Answer 4

I used condoms for years and never got pregnant but I always made sure they were used correctly and didn't break. If you are really worried about getting pregnant then I would recommend using condoms with some other form of birth control just to be extra safe.

Answer 5

Condoms are not safe enough used independantly.

when sexually active, the best solution is to be on birth control: shot, pill, patch, while using spermicided gelled condoms.

Even though nothing but abstaining is 100%, using two kinds of protection is better than 1 or none at all.

Condoms: 15 out of 100 will become pregnant. At least 2 with perfect use.(www.plannedparenthood.org; facts), but depending on the user.

1) Exposed to heat or coldness
2) Out dated
3) wrapper has rip, hole, tears
4) condom has holes, rips, tears
5) placed on properly
6) withdrawn condom after ejaculation incorrectly.
7) Body allergic reaction: Vaginal especially. (I am one of those who can't use any condom latex or non latex).
8) Which all also increases std/sti/HIV/AIDS.

The birth control: Patch, shot, pill also has its decrease in percent based on user:

1) Smoking and drugs decrease effective, with increase of serious health risks of strokes, clots etc.
2) Not taking it on time, everyday.
3) Other prescription drugs that decrease effectiveness (notify physician and doctor).
4) Body allergic reaction
5) Sickness: throwing up.

There are also other forms of birth control like the female condom/diagram. etc.

Each method whether condom or pill, require responsibility and awareness to be used correctly.

You are undecided about having children in your life. I do recommend you re-think your sexual activity and discuss potential pregnancy risk before you two engage in sex.

Talk about: getting pregnant, adoption, abortion and other forms of methods ontop of condoms, with getting checked by the doctor for any STD's. Just because he says he is clean, doesn't mean he is. Over 1/3 I believe of people don't realize they are carriers of infectious disease or virus that some are non curable.

Answer 6

A condom is considered very good for preventing AIDS. Very good but not perfect. Condoms break sometimes. Its rare but it can happen. I think the failure rate is about 5 per-cent, so its better than nothing but not perfect. You have to wear it right, put it on right, I think some kinds of lubricants can damage them.

Answer 7

I suggest going on the pill AND using a condom. If they are both 98% effective, then you will have massive insurance! (Ie, condom breaks and you will still have a 98% rate on the pill). If you are looking for condom brands check out Trojan or Durex which are pretty well known names.

Answer 8

i really hate to tell you this but you can't trust them at all think of it this way there is more chance of it breaking than not and in total i can say that it's about an 85 percent chance of that happening although if it does you will feel it happen. if you want to do this with out getting pregnant i can recomend some thing it's called implanon it's a rod they implant it into your arm it's fortyfive mm long i have one myself and there is no way you can get pregnant with it in your arm it is a 99.9 percent full proof. check with your local doctor you have to be quallified to put it in so check that they are.

Answer 9

condoms are a 100% more safer then not using them at all! but anything can happen..its a chance that everyone is willing to take..i suggest if you dont want kids at this age..then you shouldnt risk it by having sex! cause condoms can break..its not likely but it surely can happen!

Answer 10

too be extra safe, go on the pill AND use a condom. or even better - don't have sex at all! even though nothing is 100% effective, using any form of contrecption is better than none. but accidents do happen.