8 myths about condoms you must stop believing right away

“A condom is a sheath-shaped barrier device used during sexual intercourse to decrease the chances of pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). According to the United Nations, around 21% of individuals globally use condoms as birth control, making it the second-most common method after female sterilisation, as of 2019,” Dr Jagriti Varshney, a gynaecologist, told indianexpress.com.

Taking to Instagram to share common myths associated with condoms, Dr Amina Khalid, Obstetrician-Gynaecologist wrote, “Something so commonly used but yet so much misinformation around it. Time to debunk such myths and spread awareness!”

 

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Myth #1 Condoms protect against all STIs

Although condoms can protect against many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they may not protect against infections that spread through skin-to-skin contact like herpes, HPV, warts and syphilis.

On similar lines, Dr Varshney said, “Condom use reduces the risk of STIs and HIV, but we can’t say that they 100% protect us from them. Correct and consistent use is must. Incorrect use diminishes the protective effect of condoms by leading to condom breakage, slippage, or leakage.”

Myth #2 Condoms are 100% reliable

If you are using condoms properly and consistently according to the instructions, they can prove to be effective up to 98%. But, with how people typically use them, the effectiveness is usually around 85%.

Concurring, Dr Varshney noted that with proper use, women whose partners use male condoms experience a 2% per-year pregnancy rate, while with typical use, the rate of pregnancy is 18% per year.

Myth #3 Using two condoms together can double up the protection

A condom is a sheath-shaped barrier device used during sexual intercourse to decrease the chances of pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) (Source: Freepik)

Using two condoms together, in fact, will cause them to rub against each other, creating friction which will increase the chance of breakage/tearing of condoms.

Dr Varshney said that this practice is called double-bagging and there is no scientific evidence to show that it is effective. “It is advised to use a single condom at a time as two condoms together can rip easily and increase the risk of STIs and pregnancy,” she added.

Myth #4 Condoms don’t expire

Condoms have an expiry date because the materials used to make condoms degrade, break down and become brittle over the course of time. This leads to condoms breaking or tearing easily, thus putting you at a greater risk of pregnancy or getting sexually transmitted infections.

Adding to this, Dr Varshney said, “Condoms do have an expiry date and using one that is past its expiry date can significantly decrease its efficacy. Expired condoms are often drier and weaker, making them more likely to rip during sexual contact.”

Myth #5 You can use anything as a lube with condoms

Never use oil-based lubes like petroleum jelly, hand or body creams or any oils since they can weaken and tear the condoms making them less effective. Condoms usually come lubricated for easy use, but if you ever feel the need of using a lubricant, make sure its always a water-based or silicone lubricant only.

Myth #6 Condoms are for the penis only

There are condoms available for the vagina, too. Known as femidom, they cover the vagina internally and are just as effective as the normal condoms.

“Female condoms, also known as internal condoms, can be inserted inside the vagina. They have flexible rubber rings at each end. They’re made of natural rubber latex, nitrile and polyurethane (a type of plastic),” Dr Varshney added.

Myth #7 If you or your partner are allergic to latex, you can’t use condoms

There are non-latex condoms available these days which are made of Polyurethane and Polyisoprene materials which are completely safe to use and approved.

Additionally, Dr Varshney said, “If you’re allergic to latex, you can use condoms made out of plastic instead. There are two types. Some are made of polyurethane. Others are made of polyisoprene.”

Myth #8 You can re-use the condom

Never re-used a condom. New sex, new condom.

Concluding, Dr Varshney said, “It is recommended to use new external and internal condoms every single time you have sex. Moreover, do not rinse or wash your condoms. They are not reusable items as reusing a condoms more than once diminishes its protective effects. And soap and water won’t kill the bacteria inside the condom, and make it more prone to tear.”

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