T O P I C R E V I E W
SittingPretty12
Member # 94883
posted 03-01-2012 04:04 PM
Hi, I posted about a week back because of my itching. Just some FYI: it was not an STI, just a case of dermatitis. Ouch! Anyway, my question is this ... if a condom does not tear or slip off, can I be confident that there is no fluid transmission? Why I'm asking is that my partner and I use condoms for all vaginal intercourse, but I notice that the semen is not always in the tip .. it kind of is near the shaft of the penis. Does this mean that it can leak out of the base? He always grabs the base upon withdrawal. I'm pretty worried over here! I know that a condom is very obvious when it breaks ... I just don't know if somehow semen can leak out of the ring if the condom is still in tact. Thanks!
Heather
Member # 3
posted 03-01-2012 04:10 PM
If a condom is worn for all genital contact, was storied properly, looked fine when it was put on and does not break or slip off, the yep, you can be sure of that. When you or your partner are putting condoms on, are you always leaving room in the tip? If so, what you're probably seeing is actually more lube (it gets a bit thicker and less clear with friction) than semen.
SittingPretty12
Member # 94883
posted 03-01-2012 04:26 PM
This particular time, he didn't leave too much room, but there was some. Is that cause for concern? Could that make it leak to the bottom?
Heather
Member # 3
posted 03-01-2012 04:30 PM
If enough room isn't left, then yeah, semen has nowhere -- or less of somewhere -- to go, so it can wind up pushed up the sides. So, sounds like you two might want to check in on proper condom use: leaving around half-inch is what to aim for, and most people can visualize that measurement easily. If one doesn't do that, a condom can be more likely to break, or leak, but if it did either, you'd know. With semen getting all the way to the rim, that's something you'd both see when removing it.
SittingPretty12
Member # 94883
posted 03-01-2012 04:35 PM
Alright, I didn't really look, but he didn't mention anything. I'm kind of worried now. :/
Heather
Member # 3
posted 03-01-2012 04:38 PM
Unless your partner is totally unconconcered about a pregnancy or STI or you think he has no idea what a condom failure might look like, from the sounds of things, I don't hear any cause for concern. All I'm seeing here is a need for a little talk together to make sure they're used as best you can use them moving forward to help avoid condom failure.
SittingPretty12
Member # 94883
posted 03-01-2012 04:38 PM
Like I said, he always grabs the base and takes it out RIGHT after ejaculation, so even if it did get to the rim, I suppose it wouldn't really have time to go anywhere.
SittingPretty12
Member # 94883
posted 03-01-2012 04:41 PM
Thanks for your help, BTW
Heather
Member # 3
posted 03-01-2012 04:46 PM
Well, there's certainly also no harm -- and potentially a lot of benefit -- in a reminder about leaving space. After all, just like sex, using condoms is something you do together that's about both of you. And if you're the partner who can become pregnant, it's en especially big deal to you. And you're welcome!
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 03-01-2012 04:49 PM
Holding the base of the condom before withdrawing is definitely good practice. Not sure if you want or need this, but if it's helpful, here's a how-to oor putting on condoms:Condom Basics: A User's Manual