9 Things You Didn't Know About Putting on a Condom

Everyone knows that wearing a condom is one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. However, it's what you don't know about putting on a condom that can change your life.

When used properly, condoms have a very low failure rate. Unfortunately, most of these best-case scenarios were achieved in lab settings. In the real world, people make all kinds of mistakes that can lead to condom failure. When comes to wearing a rubber the right way, it's what you don't know that can really hurt you. (For some background reading, check out The Ultimate Guide to Safer Sex.)

What You Don't Know

First, let's address the misconceptions about condoms - and there are many - that can get in the way of using them consistently. After all, the first step to using a condom properly is to actually put it on before having sex.

Misconception: A man loses all sensation when he puts on a condom.

This is one of the most common excuses that men use when they don't want to wear a condom. Many women believe this line - and end up regretting it later. A study released in January of 2013 finally put this common myth to rest: condoms do not decrease sexual satisfaction for men or their female partners. So there, it's official. Some condoms even have pleasure enhancers. So, rubber up already!

Misconception: Putting on a condom kills "the mood".

If you're in a desperate hurry to get down and dirty, a condom can feel like a burden, and fiddling with a plastic package can feel less than romantic. But you know what's a real libido-buster? Try an STD. Or an unwanted pregnancy. Plus, whether a condom kills the mood is really up to you. Make a condom part of foreplay by sensually rolling it on. (Use your imagination here, ladies!)

Misconception: A latex allergy puts the kibosh on condom use.

First, latex allergies are extremely rare. What's more common is a sensitivity to the spermicide that's often added to lubricated condoms. If you or your partner gets a reaction from a rubber, try a few different non-spermicidal condoms and add your own water-based lube. If a true latex allergy is really the case, there are also condoms made from non-latex materials, like polyurethane and lambskin. (Lifestyles also makes a new polyisoprene condom that's getting rave reviews.)

Misconception: You can't put on a condom if you don't have one.

OK, this is technically true, but we're putting it in the misconception category unless you live in, say, a remote village in Yemen. If not, this excuse is just doesn't hold water. Condoms are easy to find. You can buy them in a supermarket, convenience store, pharmacy, clinic and even from the vending machines you'll find in many public restrooms. If you think you'll be getting lucky, keep a couple on hand.

Misconception: It's a good idea to carry a condom at all times.

This is somewhat true, but it depends on how you're carrying it. Although any condom is better than no condom, these love gloves should be stored properly for the best results. Condoms stored in areas that are warm or damp, for instance, can begin to weaken and become brittle with time. This can lead to holes or tears. If possible, condoms should always be stored in a cool, dry safe place.

Misconception: A man doesn't have to put on a condom until he's ready to climax.

Um no. A man should put on a condom before any sexual activity takes place, not just before be ejaculates. That's because pre-ejaculate, the clear fluid that can seep out of the penis prior to ejaculation, carries a small amount of viable sperm. Although the chances are small that this amount of sperm can get a woman pregnant, it is still possible, as is the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted infection. (Learn more amazing facts about the males species in 10 Things You Don't Know About Penises.)

Misconception: Two condoms are better than one.