Using a condom is one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, in order for condoms to work properly, they must be used correctly every time you have sex. An important aspect of proper condom use is knowing when you should change condoms during sexual activity. Here is a closer look at how often condoms should be changed and why it’s important to use a new condom with each act of sex.
General Guidelines
As a general rule, you should use a new condom whenever you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Do not reuse condoms, even if you are having sex with the same partner. There are a few key reasons why using a new condom each time is recommended:
- Effectiveness decreases with reuse – Condoms are meant to be single-use. Their effectiveness at preventing pregnancy and STIs decreases significantly with each use.
- Increased risk of breakage – Previously used condoms are more likely to break because they may be weakened from the stresses of the first use.
- Introduction of bacteria or viruses – A used condom may carry bacteria or viruses that can be introduced into the vagina, anus, or mouth during subsequent uses.
Some key guidelines for when you should change condoms during sex include:
- Use a new condom if switching from vaginal to anal sex – Different bacteria are present in the anus that can cause infection if carried into the vagina.
- Use a new condom if switching partners – This prevents transmitting STIs between partners.
- Use a new condom if putting on a condom after starting sex – Pre-ejaculate may have been introduced before the condom was applied.
- Use a new condom after ejaculation – Ejaculate can leak out sides of the condom and should not be spread between orifices.
- Use a new condom after the erection is lost – Loss of erection can cause slippage allowing pre-ejaculate to spread.
How Long Can You Keep Using the Same Condom?
There is no set amount of time that it is safe to keep using the same condom. As soon as you have ejaculated or completed an act of sex, you should remove the condom and put on a new one if you plan to have sex again. Even if your erection goes down and then comes back during prolonged foreplay or sex, a new condom should be applied. Reusing a condom even just a few minutes later is risky.
Does Condom Material Impact Duration of Use?
All types of condoms – latex, polyurethane, polyisoprene, lambskin – are designed for single use. No particular condom material is safer for prolonged use or reuse. Here is a quick breakdown of common condom materials:
- Latex – The most common condom material. Effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs if used correctly. Increased risk of breakage and slippage if reused.
- Polyurethane – A type of plastic condom. Can be a good option for those with latex allergies. Still single-use only.
- Polyisoprene – Synthetic material similar to latex without latex proteins. Not suitable for reuse.
- Lambskin – Made from sheep intestine membranes. Can prevent pregnancy but not STIs. Breaks down with reuse.
No matter the material, condoms are medical devices intended for single use. Their integrity and structural stability degrades with time and friction, making subsequent use risky.
How Long Can You Keep a Condom On Before Having Sex?
It’s best to put the condom on right before penetration. Wearing a condom for more than 10 minutes before sex can increase the chances that the condom will partially slip off or completely fall off due to loss of erection. It can also introduce bacteria if worn for an extended period.
Some important guidelines on condom application timing:
- Put the condom on when the penis is fully erect, right before intercourse.
- Do not put on a condom until there is intent for immediate intercourse.
- If more than 10 minutes of foreplay occurs after putting on a condom, use a new condom before sex.
- Change condoms if the erection is completely lost at any point.
How Often Should Condoms Be Changed During Sex?
As a general guideline, you should change condoms with each new act of sex. This means using a new condom when you switch between vaginal, anal, and oral sex. You should also change condoms if switching between partners.
More specifically, here are some recommendations on how often to change condoms during sex:
| Situation | Condom Change Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Switching between vaginal and anal sex | Use a new condom |
| Switching between partners | Use a new condom |
| Putting on a condom after starting sex | Use a new condom |
| After ejaculation | Use a new condom |
| Losing an erection temporarily | Use a new condom |
| Condom slips off or breaks | Use a new condom |
When in doubt, it’s always safer to use a new condom to reduce any risks. Trying to reuse condoms, even for a short period of time, significantly lowers their effectiveness and increases the chances of transferring bacteria or viruses.
How Often Should You Change Condoms for Oral Sex?
Condoms can reduce the risk of STIs during oral sex on a penis. For optimal protection, a new condom should be used whenever switching between different sex partners or sexual acts.
Here are some key recommendations on changing condoms for oral sex:
- Use a new condom if switching between vaginal/anal sex and oral sex.
- Use a new condom if switching between oral sex partners.
- Change the condom after ejaculation occurs in the mouth.
- Use a new condom if the current one slips off or breaks during oral sex.
Reusing or keeping a condom on for oral sex with the same partner is not advised. The condom can degrade, increasing the risk of STIs. It also allows pre-ejaculate to accumulate introducing bacteria. For maximum protection, change condoms between each act of oral sex.
How Often Should You Change Condoms If Having Sex Multiple Times?
If you are having sex more than once in the same encounter, a new condom should be used each time. This means using a fresh condom for each act of vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Here are some scenarios where new condoms must be used when having sex multiple times:
- Having sex, changing positions, then continuing – Use a new condom after having sex the first time even if resuming shortly after.
- Having sex multiple times in the same day – Use a new condom with each individual act of sex.
- Having sex multiple days in a row – Never reuse a condom from a previous day.
Reusing condoms greatly reduces their effectiveness at preventing pregnancy and STIs. Even during the same sexual encounter with the same partner, a new condom should be used each time to maximize safety.
Can You Reuse Condoms if They Haven’t Been Used for Sex?
Sometimes people open a condom wrapper and put the condom on, but don’t end up using it for sex. While it may seem wasteful to throw away an unused condom, it is not safe to reuse condoms even if actual intercourse has not occurred. Here’s why:
- Decreased structural integrity – Unrolling a condom and applying it will weaken it even if not used.
- Oil-based lubricant exposure – Any pre-sex touching can expose the condom to damaging lubricants.
- Difficult to confirm non-use – Without examining the inside, it’s impossible to confirm it was 100% unused.
- Pre-ejaculate exposure – Any pre-sex contact risks pre-ejaculate transmitting STIs.
Discarding and replacing unused condoms may not seem eco-friendly or cost-effective. However, reusing a condom that has left the wrapper exposes you an unnecessary level of risk for pregnancy and STIs.
How Long Can You Keep Using Male vs. Female Condoms?
Both male and female condoms are intended only for single use:
- Male condoms – These condoms cover the penis and should be changed after ejaculation or every time a sex act is completed. Male condoms should never be reused.
- Female condoms – Female condoms are inserted into the vagina before sex. Like male condoms, they should only be used once for a single act of vaginal sex before discarding. They should not be reused.
The U.S. FDA requires that all condoms, both male and female, are individually packaged as single use medical devices. Their safety and effectiveness rely on one-time usage. Never reuse male or female condoms as it greatly increases the chances of unintended pregnancy and STIs.
How to Store and Handle Condoms to Maximize Duration of Use
To get the maximum safe duration of usage during sex, condoms need to be properly stored and handled:
- Store condoms in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid very hot or humid places like glove compartments, wallets, or purses for extended periods.
- Always check expiration dates and do not use expired condoms. Use condoms within 5 years of manufacturing.
- Be careful opening condom wrappers to avoid rips, tears, or other damage.
- Never use condoms that have become brittle, sticky, or otherwise damaged.
- Avoid using oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly or baby oil which can degrade latex.
- Ensure adequate water-based lubrication to minimize friction and prevent breakage.
Proper storage, gentile handling, lubrication, and application technique maximize how long a single condom can safely be used for a single act of sex. However, no storage method or condom material makes reuse safe. Always reach for a new condom each time you have sex.
Conclusion
Condoms are an effective method of preventing STIs and unintended pregnancy, but only when used properly. A critical aspect of proper use is limiting each condom to a single act of sex before disposing and using a new one. There is no safe duration for reusing condoms. Both male and female condoms should only be used once for up to one act of vaginal, oral, or anal sex before being discarded. A new condom should be used each time you switch sex partners or switch between types of sex. Frequent condom changes during sex maximizes protection. With improved awareness of when and how often to change condoms, you can better safeguard your sexual health.