2 condoms?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2003
2 condoms?
3
Wed, 03-31-2004 - 5:27pm
There was someone on another board that asked this and I had never thought about this question so I thought maybe you guys might know. She said that her and her bf used 2 condoms for extra protection and was wondering if that gave it a greater chance of one breaking. My friend did the same thing but I never thought of a better chance of it breaking. Does anyone know?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
In reply to: lizbeth212001
Wed, 03-31-2004 - 6:11pm
I have heard that the friction of one condom against the other could be more likely to cause breakage. Using two condoms together is not a good idea (I would think it would also decrease the feeling to practically zilch! It is close enough as it is!).

If you want better protection than a condom alone, additional spermicide (not just what comes on some condoms) is a good idea.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2003
In reply to: lizbeth212001
Wed, 03-31-2004 - 6:37pm
what is spermicide? Not to be dumb but I don't really know much at all about bc.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: lizbeth212001
Wed, 03-31-2004 - 8:01pm
Hi lizbeth, welcome!

I agree with the other posters that double bagging isn't a good idea. A single condom, used correctly and with a good spermicide is quite effective.

Commercial contraceptive spermicides are comprised of an active chemical ingredient mixed with delivery medium that is inserted in the vagina prior to sexual intercourse to kill sperm. Spermicides can be delivered in various ways: suppositories, foam, cream, film or gel and can be used by themselves (less effective) or with a barrier such as a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap.

A very good vaginal spermicide reference is : Contraceptive Technology, 17th ed. (1998) chapter 17 of which discusses vaginal spermicides and Table 17.1 (pp.358-359) that lists the spermicides made with Nonoxynol-9 (N9) that are marketed in the U.S. While oriented toward the U.S. the research and findings are universally applicable. Contraceptive Technology says that some crèmes seem to have longer effectiveness than gels. However I like gel better and have had no problems using it.

There are spermicides formulated with different concentrations of N9 for different uses: 1) with a diaphragm, cap or condoms. 2) or alone. All you need for use with condoms, a diaphragm or cervical cap is one with 2% N9. If you buy a spermicide you need to ensure the one you choose is formulated for the way that you intend to use it and, of course, you need to use it correctly and every time. You also need to check the expiration date on the box before you buy it as spermicides have a shelf life.

Vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) is another means of delivering N9 to the cervix. Because a single application of film is physically small it is sometimes difficult to place correctly and the concentration of N9 is very high, 28%, which sometimes causes an allergic reaction where other spermicides do not.

If suppositories are used there is a waiting period of 10-15 minutes after insertion for the insert to melt and the spermicide to spread and cover the cervix.

Personally, I avoid using dual-use spermicides that are lubricants with a spermicide included. I have found that a good spermicidal cream or gel will provide ample lube while providing maximum protection. But that’s just me.

Some women are allergic to N9. In that case there is a natural ingredients spermicide that can be mixed locally, a mixture lemon juice and aloe vera gel. (4 drops of lemon juice to a tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel. Refrigerate the unused portion until needed.) There are no commercial natural ingredient spermicides available in the U.S. but there is now a commercial lactic acid (3.5%) spermicide, Femprotect, available in the UK and Europe.

      Jill