Is it possible to get pregnant using a condom?

Although it is relatively rare, it is possible to get pregnant using a condom, especially due to mistakes that are made during its use, such as not removing the air from the tip of the condom, not checking the product’s expiration date or opening the packaging with sharp objects, which end up puncturing the condom. the material.

Condoms, both male and female, are a contraceptive method that prevents sperm from coming into contact with the vaginal canal, and when used correctly is up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, in addition to preventing sexually transmitted infections ( STIs).

Read too: 9 contraceptive methods: advantages and disadvantages

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Therefore, to avoid pregnancy, you must insert and remove the condom correctly or combine its use with other methods, such as contraceptive pills, the IUD or the vaginal ring, recommended by the gynecologist.

Main mistakes when using condoms

The main mistakes made when using condoms that can increase the chances of pregnancy are:

• Using an expired or old product;
• Use a condom that has been stored in your wallet for a long time, as excessive heat can damage the material;
• Not having enough lubrication, drying out the material and favoring breakage;
• Use petroleum-based lubricants instead of water, which damage the material;
• Open the packaging with your teeth or other sharp objects;
• Unroll the condom before placing it on the penis;
• Remove and replace the same condom;
• Put on the condom after having had unprotected penetration;
• Do not remove the air that accumulates at the tip;
• Using the wrong size condom;
• Removing the penis from the vagina after it has decreased in size, as this increases the risk of sperm leaking through the condom and coming into contact with the vagina.

Therefore, to ensure correct use, you must open the condom packaging with your hands, fit the condom ring onto the head of the penis and hold its tip with your fingers to prevent air from accumulating.

Then, while holding the tip of the condom with the fingers of one hand, you must unroll the condom to the base of the penis using your free hand and, at the end, check if there is any air left at the tip where the semen will accumulate.

Types of condom

Condoms vary according to length and thickness, as well as other characteristics such as flavor, presence of spermicide and lubricant.

It is important to pay attention when purchasing to ensure that the appropriate size is purchased, as loose or very tight condoms can slip off the penis or break, favoring pregnancy or contamination with STIs.

The main types of condoms include:

1. Basic

It is the most used and easiest to find, being made of latex and with water- or silicone-based lubricants.

2. Flavored​​​​​

They are condoms with different flavors and aromas, such as strawberry, grape, mint and chocolate, and are mainly used during oral sex.

3. Female condom

It is thinner and larger than the male one, and must be placed inside the vagina, with its ring protecting the entire external region of the vulva.

Read too: Female condom: what it is and how to use it correctly

4. With spermicidal gel

In addition to the lubricant, a gel that kills sperm is also added to the material, increasing the effect of preventing pregnancy.

5. Latex free or anti-allergy

Since some people are allergic to latex, there are also latex condoms freewhich are made of polyurethane, which prevents allergic reactions, pain and discomfort caused by conventional material.

6. Extrafino

They are thinner than conventional ones and fit tighter on the penis, being used to promote sensitivity during intimate intercourse.

7. With retardant gel

In addition to the lubricant, a gel is added to the material that reduces the sensitivity of the penis, prolonging the time needed for the man to reach orgasm and ejaculate. This type of condom may be recommended for men with premature ejaculation, for example.

8. Hot and cold or Hot and Ice

They are made with substances that heat up and cool down according to movements, increasing the sensation of pleasure in both men and women.

9. Textured

Made with material that has small textures in high relief, they increase pleasure for both men and women, as they increase sensitivity and stimulation in the genitals.

10. Glow in the dark

They are made with phosphorescent material, which glows in the dark and encourages the couple to play games during intimate contact.

Diseases that condoms protect against

In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy, condoms also prevent sexually transmitted diseases, such as AIDS, syphilis and gonorrhea. Learn about other sexually transmitted infections.

However, if skin lesions are present, the condom may not be enough to prevent contamination of the partner, as it does not always cover all the wounds caused by the disease, and it is important to complete the treatment of the disease before having intimate contact again. .