Condom Do’s and Don’ts
DO's:
- DO use only latex or polyurethane (plastic) condoms.
- DO keep condoms in a cool, dry place.
- DO put the condom on an erect (hard) penis before there is any contact with a partner's genitals.
- DO use plenty of water-based lubricant (like K-Y® or Astroglide®) with latex condoms. This reduces friction and helps prevent the condom from tearing.
- DO squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom when rolling it over the erect penis. This allows room for the semen (cum).
- DO hold the condom in place at the base of the penis before withdrawing (pulling out) after sex.
- DO throw the condom away after it's been used.
DON'Ts:
- DON'T use out-of-date condoms. Check the expiration date carefully. Old condoms can be dry, brittle or weakened and can break more easily.
- DON'T unroll the condom before putting it on the erect penis.
- DON'T leave condoms in hot places like in your wallet or in your car.
- DON'T use oil-based products, like baby oil, cooking oil, hand lotion or petroleum jelly (like Vaseline®) as lubricants with latex condoms. The oil quickly weakens latex and can cause condoms to break.
- DON'T use your fingernails or teeth when opening a condom wrapper. It's very easy to tear the condom inside. If you do tear a condom while opening the wrapper, throw that condom away and get a new one.
- DON'T reuse a condom. Always use a new condom for each kind of sex you have.
- DON'T regularly use lubricants with spermicide called nonoxynol-9 ("N-9") as they may cause skin irritation or tiny abrasions that make the genital skin more susceptible to STDs.
- DON’T use a female condom and a male (conventional) condom at the same time. The condoms may stick to each other, causing them to slip off. If you have a choice, use a male condom for better protection.
How to put on a condom
Female condoms
Dental dams
Condom do’s and don’ts
How to talk with your partner about condoms and safer sex
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