Using condoms correctly

[MrandMrsW]

Hello everyone, I hope your collective wisdom can help me!
My DH and I have recently decided to change our contraception from the pill to condoms as my sex drive is on the floor. We are planning to TTC early next year, so will be a shortish term method. I've heard of the fairly significant failure rates due to them 'not being used correctly' but I'm not really sure what that means I'm embarrassed to say - DH has used one on two occassions more than 7 years ago and I've never used one ( I've only ever had sex with DH). I've googled it etc for the basic method, but can anyone give me some tips to make sure we are doing it right and to avoid the most common errors? And any tips to make placing it feel like part of the intimacy rather than a mood killer... ? Thank you ladies... Sorry its such a basic issue... I feel a bit in the dark about it all!

[NotSleepyAtAll]

We have been using condoms for several years now without a problem.

Either of you can put one on DH and you just need to remember to pinch the tip slightly before putting it on to expel the air. Also when DH withdraws you should hold the base of the condom so it doesn't slip off.

It has just become part of the process for us and doesn't kill the mood as it just takes a few seconds once you get the hang of it. Just make sure they are close at hand so you don't have to go rummaging!

[pocketsaviour]

Don't have much to add to the above, but I believe the main failure points are a) not putting it on early enough, when there's pre-come around or b) not holding onto it when withdrawing, meaning the contents spills.

BTW I have had good experience with the female condom (Femidom) - so that might be another option to explore.

[Muckymoo71]

First check the wrapper has a kite mark and in date. Be careful when ripping open, best to tear at a corner. When it's out the packet place it on hub's dick, check the teat has room at the top and roll down to the base. There's a really good nhs site for buying condoms saves the embarrassment of slamming down on the conveyor at tescos. If you want the address I'll dig it out. Put the condom on as soon as he's hard that way there's no annoying pauses or any accidents!

[pocketsaviour]

saves the embarrassment of slamming down on the conveyor at tescos.

Embarrassment? I have bought plenty of condoms and lube at Tescos (and other leading supermarkets) over the years and it's never occurred to me to be embarrassed...

[snozzlemaid]

We had a mishap when we started using condoms as dp didn't pull out as soon as he was done.
As his penis shrank it allowed some sperm/semen to escape.
So make sure he gets out of there immediately.