How often do condoms fail?
There is no one answer to this, as different studies have shown different results. Many studies of condom effectiveness have counted how often women have become pregnant when their partners used condoms for birth control. This “failure rate” includes cases where the couple did not use a condom every time they had sex, or they did not use the condom correctly. Some studies included the times a condom tore accidentally. The main reason that condoms sometimes fail to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy is slippage, and incorrect or inconsistent use, not the failure of the condom itself. Using oil-based lubricants can weaken the latex, causing the condom to break. Condoms can also be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails when opening the packet. Check occasionally during intercourse to ensure that the condom has not slipped off. Also, remember to check the expiration date of your condom! Some people u
