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CONDOMS should be switched up during long romps, say experts.
A UK study, where 500 couples from around the world timed themselves having sex, found rumpy-pumpy takes around five minutes.
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However, times ranging from 0.55 seconds to a whopping 44.1 minutes were recorded.
Prolonged friction for a longer-than-average sexual encounter can damage those ultra-thin condoms, increasing the risk of breakage.
Sexual health experts suggest switching out your ‘rubber’ after about 30 minutes of action.
And if things are getting particularly steamy and vigorous, you might want to swap even more often.
When used properly, condoms are 98 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy.
But if not used properly, their effectiveness drops.
Common mistakes include putting a condom on ‘too late’ (after the lovemaking has already begun) or having it come off or break during the action.
So, make sure to get it right from the start to keep things safe and worry-free.
“It probably comes under the bracket of a good problem to have, but if you’ve been going for half an hour and aren’t ready to stop, change the condom,” according to LloydsPharmacy GP Dr Neel Patel.
He adds “Friction weakens the condom, increasing the chances of a break. Under 30 minutes and you’re fine.
“Over 30 minutes and it’s best to play safe.
“Although, obviously the amount of friction depends on how vigorous your intercourse is.”
Dr Patel also advises against “double bagging”: which is when someone wears two condoms at once for extra protection, which he says is a myth.
“Twice the condom does not equal twice the safety,” he says.
“Wearing two condoms is actually riskier than just wearing one as they will rub against each other, creating potentially condom-breaking friction.
“This also applies if you use a male condom in tandem with a female condom.”
How to safely put on a condom
The NHS advises, before putting on a condom, to make sure the penis is fully erect first.
Then, gently tear open the packet without using teeth or sharp objects – you don’t want to tear it.
Hold the tip of the condom to leave some space for semen – this helps prevent it from breaking.
Place the condom on the tip of the erect penis.
With the other hand, roll it down to the base.
Make sure it’s the right way around – it should unroll easily. If it doesn’t, it’s probably inside out. Just start again with a new one.
Check there are no air bubbles. They can cause the condom to break. Smooth it out gently if needed.
Your contraception guide
Choosing the right contraception can be a bit confusing.
Here’s a quick guide to the various options available:
Condoms
- Male Condoms: 98 per cent effective with perfect use
- Female Condoms: 95 per cent effective with perfect use.
Hormonal Methods
- Combined Pill & mini-pill: 99 per cent effective
- Patch & Injection: 99 per cent effective
- Implant: Lasts up to three years, 99 per cent effective
IUDs
- Copper IUD: Lasts 5-10, 99 per cent effective
- Hormonal IUD: Lasts 3-5 years, 99 per cent effective
Barrier Methods
- Diaphragm/Cap: 92-96 per cent effective
- Sponge: 76-88 per cent effective
Natural Methods
- Fertility awareness: 76-88 per cent effective
- Withdrawal (pulling out): 78 per cent effective
Permanent Methods
- Female Sterilisation: Over 99 per cent effective
- Vasectomy: Over 99 per cent effective
Emergency Contraception
- Morning-after pill: Up to 95 per cent effective within 24 hours
- Copper IUD: Almost 100 per cent effective if fitted within 5 days
For more detailed advice, check out the NHS website or chat with your healthcare provider.
