Sign up now for our newsletter!
Email
Monthly Newsletter

23rdJune, 2009 : Using Two Condoms for Safer Sex

When one of something is a good thing, it seems logical that two of that something should be better, right? Some people argue with that theory by stating the famous adage that too much of a good thing is bad. When it comes to safe sex and condoms, many people have wondered if using two condoms would be safer and better than just using one. The theory seems to make sense that two condoms would provide more protection than just one, but does the theory stand up?

The jury on this one states that two condoms in fact would not be better than using just one. In fact, it is not recommended for either pregnancy prevention or for preventing the transmission of sexual diseases. Using two condoms, also known as “double bagging”, can increase the chances of one or both of them tearing and ripping because of an increase in friction between them.

The good news, however, is that when condoms are used one at a time, on their own they are extremely reliable, dependable, and effective at preventing STD transmission and pregnancy. With typical use, condoms have a success rate at preventing these things of 88%. With perfect use, condoms are 98% effective, so you cannot get much better than that.

The difference between “typical use” and “perfect use” is fairly simple. Perfect use simply means that with each and every episode of sexual intercourse a condom is used perfectly and consistently. In most cases when a condom has failed it is a result of human error and the mistakes that people make as opposed to being from the integrity of the condoms themselves. Human error is using it incorrectly, using one that has passed its expiration date, using one that is ripped or torn, or other similar mistakes.

Many condom users who search for alternative ways to increase the effectiveness of condoms often turn to spermicides to use. The most common chemical for this use is called nonoxynol-9. However, use of this chemical has recently been discouraged because it tends to irritate tissues and skin, but can actually make the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases easier. Unless you are in a monogamous relationship with no worries of diseases, you’ll want to steer clear of spermicides when trying to improve the effectiveness of condoms. Do not use more than one condom at a time, instead use other methods of birth control along with condoms.