As you embark on your college matriculation, be sure to play it safe this school year. When deciding if "the time" is right for sexual intercourse do not forget the most essential item; condoms.

Condoms are widely used to prevent unwanted pregnancies and protect against harmful and life-threatening diseases, such sexual transmitted infections (STI). Several condom manufacturers have committed to maintaining a healthy sex life as well as an enjoyable one. However, a condom can't protect you if it's used incorrectly. A study published in the journal Sexual Health discovered a slew of errors in condom use.

According to lead researcher Stephanie Sanders of The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, by assessing 50 studies regarding condom use errors around the world, she discovered 14 most common condom use errors. Of the 14 errors, the most popular slipups were:

Late Application: Between 17 and 50 percent of people admitted to putting on a condom after they've begun sex.

Early removal: 13-44 percent of individuals disclosed they've taken off a condom before sex has ended.

No space at the tip: Up to 45 percent of men admitted to not leaving enough space at the tip, which leaves room for the semen.

Inside-out condom: About 30 percent of people reported using a condom inside out and flipping it the other way around, exposing their partner to bodily fluids.

Not checking for damage: 82.7 percent of women and 74.5 percent of men confessed they did not check condom for damage before sex.

No lubrication: 16-25.8 percent of individuals admitted to using condoms without lubrication, increasing its chance of breaking.

Incorrect withdrawal: 31 percent of men and 27 percent of women admitted to failing to promptly and correctly withdraw after ejaculation.

When participating in sexual intercourse take heed of these common mistakes and be sure not to fall victim to the consequences of incorrect use of a condom. Remember to ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS leave an empty space at the end of the condom to collect semen, make sure the condom is always lubricated, add more if necessary to avoid condom breakage and after ejaculation carefully withdrawal the penis while it is still erect.