Be Sexy and Safe For Date Night: Avoid These 5 Condom Mistakes
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To keep the spark alive, it’s time to plan that creative, romantic date and break out that sexy outfit or roleplay scenario you and your lover have been yearning to try.
While you’re planning a fun night to connect with your partner, make sure you are also picking up protection for that special night and that you’re prepared to avoid the five most common condom mistakes, some of which you may not have thought about before.
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Check the Expiration Dates
Condoms aren’t like loaves of bread; they don’t stay edible for a day or two after their expiration date. The safe thing to do is to toss old condoms before they expire and to keep your supply replenished with up-to-date protection. Many condoms last 3-5 years, but expiration dates vary depending on the material and the manufacturer.
Sheepskin condoms expire within a year (they also don’t protect well against sexually transmitted infections). So it is essential to check the date; don’t just rely on old condoms shoved in the back of the drawer. Besides, if you have old condoms, you can use this opportunity to shop for condoms that will be the perfect fit and will help you or your lover feel comfortable and confident on date night.
Mistake #2: Using Your Teeth
Tearing a condom wrapper open with your teeth is one of those things that sounds great in a romance novel or a spicy scene from a Hollywood film – and it might be tempting to try in the heat of the moment – but it isn’t practical in the bedroom. There is too much risk of accidentally tearing the condom. While in some scenarios, a torn bodice can be sexy for a kinky couple, a torn condom never is. The safe route is to open a condom gently and with care. Besides, opening a wrapper gently and slowly can even be a way to tease your partner.
Mistake #3: Poor Storage
Besides lingering past the expiration date or having an unfortunate run-in with a lover’s teeth, improper storage is the most frequent cause of faulty condoms. A condom shoved in the back of a drawer or submitted to the wear and tear of being stored in a wallet or at the bottom of a purse is likely to break. You don’t want to break hearts or condoms on date night. Use a storage case for your condoms and keep them secure and safe for the next time you need them.
Mistake #4: Selecting the Wrong Size
The jokes about this probably write themselves, but levity aside, it is essential to have the right size of condom, as this can affect protection, comfort, and performance. A condom that is too tight can lead to trouble ejaculating, and a condom that is too loose can risk leaking.
Condoms are not one size fits all, ranging from a width of 52 to 72 millimeters. That is the width across the opening of the condom. A 52mm condom will fit a girth of 100-110mm, while an extra-large condom (64-72mm) will fit a girth of up to 165mm. That’s a pretty big range. If you measure your girth (or your partner’s) in inches, you can convert the measurement to millimeters by multiplying it by 11.5. Who said math wasn’t sexy?
Mistake #5: Selecting the Wrong Material
Making love should make your body feel good – not awkward or uncomfortable. Look into latex-free condoms if you suspect a latex allergy, and consider not just condom size but shape and fit. Choose condoms that suit your body and that will enhance your pleasure.
There are many ribbed and even flavored options on the market. For a bonus, you could also go eco-friendly by shopping for environmentally conscious brands like ONE® Condoms that use vegan-friendly latex and rely on recycled materials for their packaging.
Being Prepared is Sexy
Spontaneity is sexy – but unpreparedness isn’t. As with every part of planning a romantic evening, getting the correct condoms ahead of time pays off in the ardor of the moment.
