condoms keep on breaking!!!!!!!!

LegacyUser

Going unreged for obvious reasons. Ive been going out with a lad for about a year now, he’s my first. I usually use the pill as my normal means of contraception, however as Ive been in antibiotics a few times and missed the pill etc we have used condoms on occasion. The problem is the things keep on breaking! It’s getting ridiculous! Ive had to go to the doc for the morning after pill twice in the space of 4 weeks! For example last night we broke 3 out of 4 durex elite condoms! We usually use extra safe but we broke two out of four of them in the space of two nights! Its not like we are being over rough or doing anything strange. I can’t understand it. They have broke on different occasions with different positions. Anyone got an idea what could be wrong? Or has this happened to anyone before?

Ruu_Old

Have you thought of trying some different brands?

LegacyUser

Ruu wrote:

Have you thought of trying some different brands?

well ive always got the impression that durex were a very reliable brend if not the most reliable one (obviously not in my case though!!!). its still really unusual that their breaking on us so much when so many people dont seem to have any problems with them.

seamus

Two things to check -
1. Are you putting them on? Is there a chance that you're tearing them slightly with your nails?
2. When you put it on, do you squeeze out the bubble of air at the top? This is the most likely cause of breakage.

petes

seamus wrote:

Two things to check -
1. Are you putting them on? Is there a chance that you're tearing them slightly with your nails?
2. When you put it on, do you squeeze out the bubble of air at the top? This is the most likely cause of breakage.

Even if you don't squeeze out the bubble of air they should'nt rip like the op poster said. Only speaking from experience here btw.

Endurance Man

Perhaps you are using the wrong size?

LegacyUser

seamus wrote:

Two things to check -
1. Are you putting them on? Is there a chance that you're tearing them slightly with your nails?
2. When you put it on, do you squeeze out the bubble of air at the top? This is the most likely cause of breakage.

1. boyfriend usually opens the and hes always pretty careful esp after them breaking so many times

2 hmm im 99% sure he does i never see any air in the teat neway,will have to double check next time he puts one on though.

Bamboozled

I would also suggest that you're using the wrong size.

Too small and they're stretching a lot before vigorous exercise.
Too large and they're loose and can create folds and rubber against rubber isnt good when it can wear.

If you're putting them on, think about how you do. If you've long nails then a condom can easily be nicked. same for teeth.

Strokesfan

This is clearly an air bubble problem! or you need KY jelly or something... you're only allowed take the morning after pill a handful of times a year so be careful peeps, maybe you should put them on if he is - cos maybe he's in too much of a rush?

Sam Vimes

make sure he's getting rid of the air bubble. and getting the morning after pill twice in a month is very bad for you. its quite a violent proceudre as i'm sure you know so it's best not to do it too often

LegacyUser

Bamboozled wrote:

I would also suggest that you're using the wrong size.

Too small and they're stretching a lot before vigorous exercise.
Too large and they're loose and can create folds and rubber against rubber isnt good when it can wear.

If you're putting them on, think about how you do. If you've long nails then a condom can easily be nicked. same for teeth.

well there is always one or two wrinkles when their on alright. i think hes pretty average though. about 6 inches in length and maybe 4 in girth (circumference)

AngelofFire

Make sure he keeps squeezing the tip of the condomn while he is unravelling it other wise it will burst. Also the ring should be on the outside NOT the inside when he's putting it on otherwise it will definatley break, thats a common mistake.

Bamboozled

Condoms should fit snugly but not too tight that it causes blood to completely stop flowing.

Try different sizes, and try different brands.

If it keeps happening after that, then change the technique of putting them on.

Shellie13

lil tip...
if the guy feels it getting tight chances are it'll break...so stop there

DOLEMAN

Durex always break for me too. Use Mates instead. They are a more comfortable fit. Never had any problems with them.

Nevyn

http://www.thinkcontraception.ie/comfortable-with-condoms/default.asp

Taking the morning after pill to often esp when you are on the oral contraceptive pill as well can be very hard on your system.

hopefull things will get better.

StandnDeliver

yeah i would sugest the mates or maybe even try boots condoms

kittenkiller

Maybe try putting a few on without having sex & see if you can see what's going wrong.
Like before oral or masterbation without penetration (just to be on the safe side for your system).
Don't get disheartened, just practice & enjoy.

milod

I've only had 2 condoms break in 21 years and you really have to be doing something wrong to achieve it! My g/f worked with the NHS in a London family planning clinic and said that there are two main causes:

1. The size of the guy (and no! 'big' guys rarely break condons - they're very stretchy!). It's more likely to happen to a guy with a thin penis, because air can work its way up the side of the condom while thrusting - causing air bubbles and eventual bursting. You mentioned a 4" girth whereas most condoms are designed for a girth of 4.5" to 4.75" so perhaps this might be an issue - in which case you can buy narrower condoms - usually Japanese brands like Jiffy etc.

2. Lack of lubrication - even though some women may intially become prepared - they can 'dry up' after a few minutes causing friction and eventual bursting. If this is that case you can get lubes like KY or more interesting scented lubes - get a silicon based lube for best results and never use Vaseline with latex condoms.

Also Avanti polyeurethane condoms are excellent and very strong without compromising feeling and are safe even with Vaseline - Warning though - they are quite wide - suitable for 4.75" to 5" girth so best get a measuring tape out (he may get stage fright if you produce one though!!)

LegacyUser

milod wrote:

I've only had 2 condoms break in 21 years and you really have to be doing something wrong to achieve it! My g/f worked with the NHS in a London family planning clinic and said that there are two main causes:

1. The size of the guy (and no! 'big' guys rarely break condons - they're very stretchy!). It's more likely to happen to a guy with a thin penis, because air can work its way up the side of the condom while thrusting - causing air bubbles and eventual bursting. You mentioned a 4" girth whereas most condoms are designed for a girth of 4.5" to 4.75" so perhaps this might be an issue - in which case you can buy narrower condoms - usually Japanese brands like Jiffy etc.

2. Lack of lubrication - even though some women may intially become prepared - they can 'dry up' after a few minutes causing friction and eventual bursting. If this is that case you can get lubes like KY or more interesting scented lubes - get a silicon based lube for best results and never use Vaseline with latex condoms.

Also Avanti polyeurethane condoms are excellent and very strong without compromising feeling and are safe even with Vaseline - Warning though - they are quite wide - suitable for 4.75" to 5" girth so best get a measuring tape out (he may get stage fright if you produce one though!!)

Ive a suspision it might be a girth issue alright. 4" was just an estimation though. As hes my first Ive nothing to compare it to. Id feel awful mentioning that to him though!! How do you tell your boyfriend you think his penis might be too thin for the average condom!?

Wibbs

milod wrote:

Also Avanti polyeurethane condoms are excellent and very strong without compromising feeling and are safe even with Vaseline - Warning though - they are quite wide - suitable for 4.75" to 5" girth so best get a measuring tape out (he may get stage fright if you produce one though!!)

Informative post. The funny thing is the only time I've ever had a condom break was with Avantis. All the rest have never given me problems like them(the rest. Jeez I sound like a porn star. Chance would be a fine thing )For me they were very unreliable(3 out of 4 breakage rate) and I wouldn't trust them at all. I suspect the lubrication part may have been the problem as they felt more "dry" to use. So if you use them I would personally say use lube.

um7y1h83ge06nx

I thought Advanti's had a rep for breaking. They only reason most people use them is that if they are allergic to latex.

Use pleasuremax condoms, they seem bigger and they have more room around the head area, also lube is your friend use loads of it to help ease the likelyness of it breaking

Bamboozled

Has he been buying the condoms or have you?
If he has, get yer own! And get the ones that would suit him. You dont need to damage his ego - just go get them yourself.

Then suggest ye try these "new" ones for a laugh because you want to test out all the brands. You could always conveniently "forget" to try others if ye find one that doesnt break.

LegacyUser

Do you do a bit of massage or anything with any oil based substance? oil and condoms don't match so don't let anyhting like oil get near them!

Dave!

what the....? wrote:

Ive a suspision it might be a girth issue alright. 4" was just an estimation though. As hes my first Ive nothing to compare it to. Id feel awful mentioning that to him though!! How do you tell your boyfriend you think his penis might be too thin for the average condom!?

as someone said earlier, you should go get the condoms. say to him "maybe we should just try some new brands... i've been readin a bit about them and these ones are supposed to be quite reliable", and then go get some. as long as it doesn't say "for the circumferentially challenged" on the box, I doubt he'll cop on

milod

DaveMcG wrote:

as someone said earlier, you should go get the condoms. say to him "maybe we should just try some new brands... i've been readin a bit about them and these ones are supposed to be quite reliable", and then go get some. as long as it doesn't say "for the circumferentially challenged" on the box, I doubt he'll cop on

Yeah good advice - best not make an issue of the size... some blokes are sensitive about that apparently

Google 'small condoms' and you'll get plenty of hits. Or visit Condom Power on Dame street. Then just make sure when the moment arrives that they're the only ones to hand - believe me he won't argue the point!

LegacyUser

heyhey2006 wrote:

Do you do a bit of massage or anything with any oil based substance? oil and condoms don't match so don't let anyhting like oil get near them!

Nope no oil! Still not sure if he is lacking in girth or not. Think hed get suspicious if i whipped out a measuring tape!!! I will get some smaller condoms though/try different brands and see what suits. Wont mention the size issue to him though, hed be crushed!

chamlis

Obviously, the first thing is to stop using those ones that ye have. I know they're expensive but there is a chance (however unlikely) that that's a bad batch, or something. I use mates myself (when the need arises ). Never had a problem.

lol get a variety pack ¬_¬

Irish Wolf

what the....? wrote:

he’s my first. I usually use the pill as my normal means of contraception, however as Ive been in antibiotics a few times and missed the pill etc we have used condoms on occasion.

Not to cast a cloud on all the advise that has gone before - and to be honest - it is good advise, I've had the same trouble with Durex vs. Mates, but...
I think you should be insisting on he using condoms all the time. You say he's your first - are you his first? Fair enough that you're worried about getting pregnant, but have you had any thoughts on STDs?
Rather than "on occasion" it should be always...

It's only my opinion...

Victor

How old are the condoms (check the eat by date ) and how are they stored?

Ciaran500

Irish Wolf wrote:

Not to cast a cloud on all the advise that has gone before - and to be honest - it is good advise, I've had the same trouble with Durex vs. Mates, but...
I think you should be insisting on he using condoms all the time. You say he's your first - are you his first? Fair enough that you're worried about getting pregnant, but have you had any thoughts on STDs?
Rather than "on occasion" it should be always...

It's only my opinion...

After a year together I don't think there's much to worry about in the way of STD's. Unless he's sleeping around :x

muckwarrior

chamlis wrote:

Obviously, the first thing is to stop using those ones that ye have. I know they're expensive but there is a chance (however unlikely) that that's a bad batch, or something.

Yeah, I had 2 break from the same box, so obviously threw it out. I also remember reading a year or two ago that a very large percentage of the condoms on the Irish market were counterfeit! I'd recommend buying a different brand from a different place. Also it might be a good idea to stop and check it half way through to see if air is getting in as someone suggested.

Victor

muckwarrior wrote:

Yeah, I had 2 break from the same box, so obviously threw it out.

What? You didn't take them back and complain?

Oooh ... the imagery.

muckwarrior

Victor wrote:

What? You didn't take them back and complain?

Oooh ... the imagery.

Lol! Could be a good naked camera moment

LegacyUser

Figured out the problem! Watched him put one on yesterday and realised that he was rolling it down and then squeezing the air out of the teat!!! Cant believe hes been doing that all along!!! Never really paid attention before as he was more experienced than me and I assumed he was doing it right. Typical man he wont admit he was doing it wrong though! Think i embrassed him! Oh just to clear things up we went through several different packs of condoms so it wasent a faulty batch or anything. Thanks for all the advice really helped.