Condoms 101; The Do's & Don't of Using Condoms

Condom Do's

• DO use only latex or polyurethane (plastic) condoms, which are consider safe and durable.
• DO keep condoms in a cool, dry place.
• DO check the expiry date before you use it.
• DO put the condom on an erect (hard) penis before there is any contact with your partner's genitals.
• DO use a water-based lubricant (like O'My, KY Jelly, 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 before and when rolling it over the erect penis. This allows room for the semen and prevents breakage.
• DO hold the condom in place with your fingers at the base of the penis before withdrawing (pulling out) after sex. This ensures nothing unwanted is left behind.
• DO throw the condom away after its been used. The best place is in the garbage.

Condom 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• DON'T use out of date condoms.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 glove compartment.
• DON'T use oil-based products, like baby or cooking oils, hand lotion or petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) as lubricants with latex condoms. The oil quickly breaks-down / 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 when having sex.
• DON'T use the same condom for vaginal, oral or anal sex. Always use a new condom for each sex act.