What About Condoms?

Condoms come in lots of colors, textures, lengths, widths, and thicknesses. There are also female condom options that are inserted into the vagina. The most important thing when choosing a condom is that they are made of latex or polyurethane (plastic). Animal skin (or “natural”) condoms do not offer the same degree of protection.

• Check the label of the condom. Don’t use the condom if it is past the expiration date, or if more than five years have passed since the manufacture date.
• Use a new condom if the condom is ripped or looks dry, brittle, stiff, or sticky.
• Do not open the condom wrapper with your teeth. This can tear the condom.
• Have extra condoms on hand in case one rips and in case you want to have sex again.
• Do not reuse a condom.
• Keep your condoms in a cool, dry place to prevent breakage or leakage. Don’t store condoms in a location that can get very hot, like in your car.
• Don’t use oil-based lubricants. They can damage the condom. Use a water- or silicone-based lubricant.
• Lubricants are particularly important for use during anal sex. They help prevent the condom from tearing.
• If you keep a condom in your wallet or purse, replace it with a new one every few months.
• Only put a condom on an erect penis. Place the condom on the tip of the penis with the bulb facing outward. Then roll the condom down around the penis.
• After ejaculating during intercourse, pull out your penis before your erection goes away. Hold the condom at the base of your penis to prevent it from slipping off.

Keep your condoms in a cool, dry place to prevent breakage or leakage. Don’t store condoms in a location that can get very hot, like in your car. If you keep a condom in your wallet or purse, replace it with a new one every few months. Re-check the expiration date and condition before you use it.