You should CHANGE a condom after a specific period of time, say sexual health experts

According to experts, it is wise to change condoms during prolonged bedtime to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

A recent study, in which 500 couples from different countries used a stopwatch to time the duration of sex, found that the average intercourse lasts about 5.4 minutes.

However, times ranging from 0.55 seconds to 44.1 minutes were recorded.

And prolonged friction during sex can have a detrimental effect on the ultra-thin latex condom these are made from if used.

For this reason, leading sexual health experts advise changing your “rubber” after 30 minutes of activity, and possibly more often if sex is particularly intense.

Research shows that condoms are up to 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly.

If they are not used correctly, they become ineffective. It is estimated that about one in five women who use condoms for a year will become pregnant.

Research has also shown that condoms are 95 percent effective in preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases when used correctly.

Misuse includes putting on a condom ‘too late’, after intercourse has already started, and a condom slipping off or tearing during sex.

In an article about the Lloyds Pharmacy The website of family doctor Dr. Neel Patel states: ‘It probably falls into the ‘good problem’ category, but if you’ve been going for half an hour and won’t stop, change the condom.

“Friction weakens the condom, making it more likely to tear. Less than 30 minutes and you’re fine. More than 30 minutes and it’s best to play it safe.”

He adds: ‘The amount of friction obviously depends on how intense the sex is.’

The NHS advises that before putting on a condom, first check that the penis is fully erect. The packaging should be opened carefully to avoid damaging the condom. Do not use your teeth as this may tear the condom.

Experts also advise against “double bagging” – using two condoms at once for extra protection, which is a myth

Dr. Patel also advises against “double-lubricating” – using two condoms at once for extra protection – a myth, he says.

‘Using two condoms is actually riskier than using one condom because they rub against each other, which can cause the condom to tear.’

Apparently the same caution should be exercised when using a male condom in combination with a ‘femidom’ (female condom).

The NHS advises that before putting on a condom, you should first check that the penis is fully erect.

The package should be opened carefully to avoid damaging the condom. Do not use your teeth as this may tear the condom.

Hold the tip of the condom to squeeze out all the air. Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis.

It adds that if the condom does not roll off, it may be inside out. If this happens, the condom should be thrown away and a new one used.

According to Dr. Patel, one should be careful when using lubricants.

“Certain lubricants are not suitable for latex,” he advises. “A water-based lubricant is fine. An oil-based or petroleum-based lubricant should never be used.”

Body lotions, moisturizers and massage or body oil are also no substitute.

‘T“These can weaken the latex, causing the condom to tear,” he explains.

Condoms should be left on until sex is over. When you are done, hold the base of the condom as you pull it out to keep it from slipping off the penis.

Always throw used condoms in the trash and not in the toilet.