Do You Need a New Condom After Re-erecting During Intercourse?

Condom use

If you had intercourse with a condom and did not ejaculate, but then experienced a loss of erection and removed the condom, followed by masturbation to achieve an erection again, you should use a new condom before re-inserting.
This is to ensure safety and prevent any potential transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancy.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/27

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If you have intercourse with a condom and do not ejaculate, but then experience a loss of erection and remove the condom, after masturbating to achieve an erection again, you need to change to a new condom before re-inserting.

Reply Date: 2017/11/27

More Info

When it comes to sexual health and safety, particularly regarding condom use, it's essential to understand the best practices to minimize the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. In your scenario, where a condom is used during intercourse but the erection is lost, and then the individual re-erects after manual stimulation, the question arises whether a new condom is necessary before re-insertion.

The short answer is yes, you should use a new condom after re-erecting. Here’s why:
1. Integrity of the Condom: Once a condom is removed, even if it was not used to ejaculation, it may have been compromised in some way. For instance, the condom could have been stretched or damaged during the process of removal, which might not be immediately visible. Using a new condom ensures that you are starting with a fresh barrier that is intact and effective.

2. Lubrication: If the condom was removed, it may have lost its lubrication. This can lead to friction during re-insertion, which increases the risk of the condom breaking. A new condom will typically come pre-lubricated, or you can add additional water-based or silicone-based lubricant to enhance comfort and reduce the risk of breakage.

3. Risk of STIs: If there is any chance that the manual stimulation involved contact with bodily fluids, using a new condom is crucial to prevent the transmission of STIs. Even if ejaculation did not occur, pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm and pathogens.

4. Pregnancy Prevention: If the goal is to prevent pregnancy, using a new condom is essential. Even if there was no ejaculation, the risk of pregnancy still exists due to the presence of sperm in pre-ejaculate fluid.

5. Best Practices: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations recommend using a new condom for each act of intercourse. This includes switching to a new condom if there is a break in sexual activity, such as losing an erection.

In summary, for optimal safety and effectiveness, always use a new condom if you plan to reinsert after losing an erection. This practice not only helps in preventing STIs and unintended pregnancies but also ensures that both partners can enjoy a safer and more comfortable sexual experience.
Additionally, it’s important to communicate openly with your partner about sexual health and practices. Discussing condom use, preferences, and any concerns can enhance mutual understanding and safety during sexual activities. If you have further questions about sexual health or condom use, consider consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

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