Tips For Effective Condom Use
Store Your Condoms in a Cool, Dry Place
Do not put condoms in your wallet or shirt or pants pocket or leave them in the car (Heat, even from the body, causes them to break)
Remember Condoms Expire
Condoms used after 2-5 years will become dried out and brittle and this can cause them to break. Also, if your condom is sticky or has an uneven color, the package is damaged or they have been in the washing machine by accident, of course, throw it away and get another one.
Condoms can only be used once
Even if you didn’t climax (cum) in it you need to use a new condom every time you have sex.
Male condoms have to be placed on the penis with room at the tip
The semen (cum) has to go somewhere. If there is no room at the end the force of the pressure from the semen will break it open.
Do Not Use Oil Based Lubricants
Vaseline and oil based gels (petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening, lotions, massage oils, grease) weaken condoms and causes them to break more easily. Water based lubricants (KY jelly, Astroglide, etc.) do not weaken the condom.
Don’t Assume Your Partner Knows How To Use It
You need to know how to use the condom, whether you are the one using it (putting the condom on the penis or placing it in the vagina) or your partner is. Some people are too ashamed to say they don’t know how or are tryin’ to front. This is one of the most common reasons that condoms fail. This is not the time for you to be placing your trust in someone else to protect you. LADIES, THIS IS ESPECIALLY STATED FOR YOU!! Also, you need to see for yourself that it has been done right. Don’t be shy…leave the lights on!
If the Condom Breaks
Immediately stop having sex, remove the condom and wash the area of the body (both partners) that was exposed and your hands. Use a new condom and make sure it doesn’t appear damaged. Ladies, douching often spreads disease and isn’t recommended. Emptying your bladder (urinating) is also a good idea because the urethra (opening to the bladder) is in the same area and germs can spread there also. Understand that germs can’t be "washed away" if they already entered through openings on your genitals, etc.
Spermicide Use
Spermicides or Nonoxynol 9 is a contraceptive agent that destroys sperm. They have not been shown to decrease getting an STD when using condoms. It is also recommended that people having anal sex not use Nonoxynol 9 as a lubricant when having anal sex because of the increased risk of infection.
