Sex & Relationships

You should be changing your condom during sex — here’s why

Most men keep a condom on hand in case a spontaneous sex session arises — but one rubber may not be enough if you’re a long-lasting lover.

Experts say condoms should be changed regularly during romps to increase their efficacy.

Prolonged friction from sex can also have a detrimental impact on the ultra-thin material, per Dr. Neel Patel, who advises a switch-up every 30 minutes.

“It probably comes under the bracket of a good problem to have, but if you’ve been going for half an hour and aren’t ready to stop, change the condom,” the medic told Lloyd Pharmacy.

Young happy lovers man and woman making love in bed. Medics say men should put on a condom before vaginal, oral, or anal sex — and advise rolling on a new rubber if you switch from one kind of sex to another.
Medics say men should put on a condom before vaginal, oral, or anal sex — and advise rolling on a new rubber if you switch from one kind of sex to another. Shutterstock

Dr. Patel said the condom switcheroo wasn’t a hard and fast rule, however, as it depends “on how vigorous your intercourse is.”

“This judgement we leave to you,” he stated, saying lovers should be mindful that the rubber could tear at any time.

Medics say men should put on a condom before vaginal, oral, or anal sex — and advise rolling on a new rubber if you switch from one kind of sex to another to prevent the transfer of bacteria or other infections.

Additionally, if the erection is lost while wearing a condom, it may no longer be as effective and should be replaced.

“If there’s a significant pause in sexual activity and you’re starting again, it’s a good idea to change the condom to maintain effectiveness throughout the entire session,” Liana Baixauli, Nurse Practitioner and a medical partner of Happy V, told The Post.

“It’s also good practice to use a new condom each time you have sex to ensure maximum protection.”

Condom in package in jeans
Prolonged friction from sex can also have a detrimental impact on the ultra-thin material, per Dr. Neel Patel, who advises a switch-up every 30 minutes. Shutterstock

Condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, but they’re also more than just a contraceptive.

They also protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Condoms typically last a long time, but do have an expiration date that should be printed on the wrapper or container box.

Docs are also reminding men to check the wrapper to make sure the rubber is within date before its’ placed onto the penis.