Double-Bagging Condoms?

The other day, I received an interesting question from one of my Contraception Newsletter subscribers. Kyle wanted to know the answer to the following question:

"My girlfriend suggested that we use two condoms at the same time while having sex because she claims that doing this will decrease her chances of becoming pregnant. Is this okay to do?"

Although this may SEEM like a good idea, it is not recommended (for either safer sex or pregnancy protection) to use two condoms at the same time. This act, also known as "double-bagging," can actually increase the friction between the condoms during sex which makes them more likely to rip or tear. It is fine to just rely on the use of one condom as your method of birth control as condoms are 85-98% effective and are not only reliable in preventing pregnancy, but can successfully protect against many sexually transmitted infections.

• For more: Does using two condoms provide better pregnancy protection than just using one?

If your girlfriend is still nervous about reling only upon condoms, she could explore alternative back-up methods such as using a condom along with a hormonal contraceptive method (like the pill, patch or ring) or combining condom use with the use of a diaphragm.

• How To Use Condoms and Prevent Condom Failure
• Different Types and Styles of Condoms
• Before You Buy Condoms

Comments Wanted:

• What Are Your Favorite Condom Types or Condom Brands?
• Where Do You Store Your Condoms?
• What are the Best Condoms or the Worst Condoms?

_{Condom Photo © Damon Hart-Davis}