Dear Sexpert,
When I was in high school, my boyfriend and I always used two condoms during sex, so that if the inner condom broke, the outer condom would provide extra protection. However, my roommate told me that I should only be using one condom. I’m not sure what to do now — do my boyfriend and I use one condom or two?
— Two For One Special
Dear Two For One,
Despite what we usually think, more isn’t always better. In fact, in the case of condoms, more is counterproductive! Condoms are an effective method of risk reduction for both contraction of sexually transmitted infections and conception, but only when they are used properly. “Double-bagging,” or using two condoms at once, increases the risk of tearing both condoms because of the friction created between the two latex surfaces. If both of the condoms tear, you and your partner have actually increased the risk of contracting STIs or potential pregnancy.
When using condoms, you should make sure to use a new condom for every sex act. The pre-ejaculate secretions, semen, vaginal secretions and blood that can be found on a used condom are capable of transmitting infections.
It is also important to make sure that you are using the right size of condom for you and your partner. Using the wrong size — either a condom that is too big or too small — also reduces the effectiveness of the condom as a barrier method of protection.
Make sure that you and your partner do not use oil-based lubricants — the oil in lots of lotions and food products, such as whipped cream, breaks down the latex in the condom and renders it ineffective.
If you are looking for another means of barrier protection, you might consider the female condom. It is a pouch inserted into your vagina that both reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infection and helps prevent pregnancy. Female condoms, like male condoms, can be used for both vaginal and anal intercourse. However, just like with male condoms, you should never use two female condoms at once, and you should also never use a male condom and a female condom at the same time.
It seems like you and your partner might be concerned about relying solely on condoms. You could explore backup methods of contraception with a provider at Sexual Health and Wellness at University Health Services. But, in the case of condoms, male or female, two is one too many!
— The Sexpert
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