I have heard the condom complaints. “They waste time.” “They spoil the mood.” “They do not work.” You know the rest.

Here is the truth. Condoms usually fail because of small mistakes, not because condoms are useless.

Before Sex: The Setup Errors

Most failures start before anything happens. These are the common mistakes:

You stored it in heat (wallet, car, window sill).

It is expired.

You tore it with teeth or sharp nails.

You used oil-based lubricant with latex condoms.

The size is wrong.

During Sex: The Quiet Mistakes

You did not pinch the tip, so air gets trapped.

You put it on halfway, flipped it, and tried again.

You continued after it felt dry.

After Sex: The “Did It Fail?” Check

Check for tears or leaks. If it slipped off, treat it as a risk event. Then decide your next step based on risk, not shame.

If It Broke: What To Do Next

Emergency contraception can be time-sensitive. STI testing has windows. Testing too early can give you false confidence. If there was coercion or you feel unsafe, get help immediately.

Famasi Links

Condoms

Emergency contraception

Medical note: This article is educational. For STI concerns, pregnancy concerns, or severe symptoms, consult a clinician.