Does double penetration increase the risk of condom breakage?

Dear Reader, 

Double your pleasure, double your fun? For some, it’s certainly the case that “two is better than one”! Double penetration is any act that involves filling the vagina, anus, or mouth simultaneously with more than one object, such as penises, fingers, or toys. Although the idea of two penises in one vagina may get you all hot and bothered, you’re on point with your suspicions that there’s a greater risk of condom breakage due to the extra friction. Fortunately, there are other ways to enjoy double penetration safely that don’t involve condom-on-condom contact.  

Can double penetration cause condoms to break? 

The long and short of it (no pun intended) is yes—two condoms rubbing against each other creates extra friction, which may increase the risk of one or both condoms breaking. Other common causes of condom breakage include:  

• Using an expired condom 
• Exposing the condom to excessive heat 
• Wearing a condom that’s too small 
• Using an oil-based lubricant on a latex condom 
• Not using any lubricant  
• Putting on two condoms (also known as “double-bagging”) 
• Using a condom twice 

List adapted from Verywell Health 

How can you perform double penetration safely? 

To lower the risk of condom breakage, you might consider other forms of simultaneous penetration that don’t involve condom-on-condom friction. For instance, you could consider pairing vaginal penetration with oral or anal penetration. If it’s the girth of the penetrating object that’s the real fire starter, you might consider exploring fisting or sex toys as a less risky option to stoke the flames.  

Regardless of how you choose to go about it, it may be helpful to keep the following tips in mind:  

• Establish a safe word before starting: You might use the stoplight system, where “yellow” means “slow down” or “pause”. If the mouth is one of the areas being penetrated, it’s a good idea to establish a non-verbal safe sign. For example, three taps on the thigh could mean “stop”. 
• Use lots of lube: A thicker, silicone-based lube may work best to reduce friction. However, if you’re using silicon-based toys, opt for water-based lubes to avoid damage to the toy. It’s also a good idea to reapply lube when in motion.  
• Go slow: It’s recommended to start with one finger or toy before adding a second object slowly and mindfully. If there are any burning sensations or sharp pains, don’t push ahead.  
• Explore different positions: Consider starting in a position that allows you to see your partner’s facial expressions. These can serve as cues for what feels good and what feels uncomfortable. Other positions like “doggy-style” may also help to open the receiver’s body more, making penetration easier.  
• Check-in frequently: The receiving partner should be setting the pace for penetration. The penetrative partner can ask if the receiving partner is ready for another object or penis, or if a certain angle feels better than another.  
• Pull out slowly: When pulling out, it can help to go slow and have the receiving partner exhale so that their muscles can relax.  
• Don’t forget aftercare: Double penetration can be a vulnerable experience. It’s a good idea to check in with each other emotionally and physically. For instance, you could discuss how you’re feeling, what felt good, and what you could have done differently.  

What should you do if a condom breaks? 

Following a condom break, or even if you’re unsure if the condom has broken, to stay on the safe side, consider using emergency contraception and getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are at risk of getting pregnant after engaging in penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex, some forms of emergency contraception (EC) can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy. However, most forms of EC work best when taken within three days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex. If STIs are a concern because either you or your partner(s) have an active diagnosis, or if you’re unsure about your or their status, it’s recommended that you all get tested as soon as possible after any unprotected sexual encounters.  

If you’re not sure whether a condom has broken mid-coitus, you can remove it, fill it with water under the tap, and check if any water leaks out. Keep in mind that you will need to put on a new condom before returning to sex. 

Regardless of how you choose to go about double penetration, it’s best to avoid condom-on-condom contact—this friction is not the kind of heat you want in the boudoir!