Most men keep condoms on hand in case of unexpected sexual encounters, but if you’re in a long-term relationship, one condom may not be enough.
Experts say that to be effective, condoms need to be changed regularly during sex.
Prolonged friction from sex can also take its toll on the ultra-thin material, says Dr Neil Patel, who recommends changing them every 30 minutes.
“This is probably in the range of good issues, but if you’ve been going on for 30 minutes and you’re not ready to stop, change the condom,” doctors say. told Lloyd Pharmacy.
But Dr Patel said switching condoms was not a hard and fast rule, as it depended on “how intense the sexual encounter was”.
“I leave that judgement up to you,” he said, adding that enthusiasts should keep in mind that the rubber can break at any time.
Doctors say men should wear condoms before vaginal, oral or anal sex, and recommend putting on a new condom if switching from one type of sex to another.
Additionally, if you lose your erection despite having a condom on, the condom may no longer be effective and should be changed.
Although condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, they are more than just a form of contraception.
It also protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Condoms usually last for a long time, but they do have an expiration date, which should be printed on the wrapper or box.
Doctors also urge men to check the packaging of condoms to make sure they are within the expiration date before putting them on their penis.
