used multiple condoms

[blimblong]

My girlfriend had just ended her period and wanted to have sex. It had been awhile since I've done it so I couldn't last long. I first used one condom and pulled out when I basically prematurely ejaculated. I then went to the bathroom washed the condom, discarded it and washed my hands. I then had sex again and a similar thing happened where I ejaculated a bit and immediately pulled out as it happened. I repeated discarding the condom and washing my hands again. I then used a third condom and had a more normal ejaculation but couldn't last long. Again I used the pull out method before I ejaculated.

I definitely did wash my hands and used new condoms that were put on correctly for each time but my only concern was potential leftover semen on my penis skin. I don't recall if I fully dried it off between each time or not. I had considered it possibly being transferred to the outside of the new condom even though I did roll each down correctly and didn't reverse them. There was a bit of time between each session but I can't recall how long. I'm not sure how viable sperm on skin is even if it wasn't fully dried out.

Should I be worried or am I overthinking too much?

[Latha]

Hi there, Blimblong — welcome to the boards!

You do not have to worry — there really is no chance of pregnancy in this situation. For pregnancy to occur, there has to be direct contact between semen and the vulva or vagina. We know that didn’t happen, since you used condoms correctly. Additionally, sperm cells are not viable in these circumstances: they are pretty delicate, and need a very specific environment to survive. Sperm just cannot handle being transferred between multiple surfaces without the fluids that keep them alive, and they certainly would not stick around after you washed your hands. You can read more about that here:

• Who's Afraid of Sperm Cells?

• Are My Sperm Still Squirming?

Let us know if you have any more questions! I noticed you mentioned some concern over how long it is taking you to ejaculate — if you would like, we can talk about that.

[blimblong]

Thank you. I wasn't worried about it on my hands, more so on the skin of the penis if it could somehow transfer to the outside of the condom when the new one was put on. I wasn't sure if there was any residual sperm leftover on the skin between sessions because I'm unsure if I dried it completely.

[Latha]

Hi Blimblong,

Ohhhh, I see. No, sperm can’t transfer from the inside to the outside of a condom — condoms are impermeable in this case. Even if the sperm hadn’t completely dried out, it would not be a problem.

Does this help you feel more sure?

[blimblong]

Yes, thank you! You assured me it seems like it wouldn't be able to really survive this sort of situation.

Typically how long is sperm viable on skin? I mean able to cause pregnancy? What confused me I guess is you read online minutes to 30 minutes to an hour. The estimates are all over the place. Would it be able to survive on penis skin then onto the fingers as a new condom is rolled down? I didn't immediately do it between sessions. I was just concerned maybe a slight transfer of sperm to the outside of the condom by fingers as the condom rolled down.

[lilikoi]

Hi Blimblong! Hope it's okay for me to join the conversation! Glad to hear that Latha was able to answer your original question! To respond to your last question about timelines, the length of time that sperm is viable can be a range because there are a number of factors that impact the viability of sperm. It is really unlikely that the sperm would survive a transfer between surfaces like you describe. In reading your questions, it sounds like you would like a clear yes or no answer and clear timelines but sperm are finicky! Even in the best circumstances, sperm don't always remain viable. Highly recommend the articles that Latha linked to get a good idea of this.

Who's Afraid of Sperm Cells?
Are My Sperm Still Squirming?