Should I use a lubricant with a condom?
Some condoms are already lubricated with dry silicone, jellies, or creams. If you buy condoms not already lubricated, it's a good idea to apply some yourself. Lubricants may help prevent condoms from breaking during use and may prevent irritation, which might increase the chance of infection.
If you use a separate lubricant, be sure to use one that's water-based and made for this purpose. If you're not sure which to choose, ask your pharmacist.
Never use a lubricant that contains oils, fats, or greases such as petroleum-based jelly (like Vaseline brand), baby oil or lotion, hand or body lotions, cooking shortenings, or oily cosmetics like cold cream. They can seriously weaken latex, causing a condom to tear easily.
Does it matter which styles of condoms I use?
It's most important to choose latex condoms that say "disease prevention" on the package. Other features are a matter of personal choice.
What do the dates mean on the package?
Some packages show "DATE MFG." This tells you when the condoms were made. It is not an expiration date.
Other packages may show an expiration date. The condoms should not be purchased or used after that date.
Are condoms from vending machines any good?
It depends. Vending machine condoms may be OK:
If you know you are getting a latex condom,
If they are labeled for disease prevention,
If you know the spermicide (if any) is not outdated, and
If the machine is not exposed to extreme temperature and direct sunlight.
How should condoms be stored?
You should store condoms in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, perhaps in a drawer or closet. If you want to keep one with you, put it in a loose pocket, wallet, or purse for no more than a few hours at a time.
Extreme temperature -- especially heat -- can make latex brittle or gummy (like an old balloon). So don't keep these latex products in a hot place like a glove compartment
How should condoms be handled?
Gently! When opening the packet, don't use your teeth, scissors or sharp nails. Make sure you can see what you're doing.
What defects should I look for?
If the condom material sticks to itself or is gummy, the condom is no good. Also check the condom tip for other damage that is obvious (brittleness, tears, and holes). Don't unroll the condom to check it because this could cause damage.
Never use a damaged condom
How should I use a condom?
Follow these guidelines
Use a new condom for every act of intercourse.
If the penis is uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before putting the condom on.
Put the condom on after the penis is erect (hard) and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partner's body.
If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, pinch the tip enough to leave a half-inch space for semen to collect.
While pinching the half-inch tip, place the condom against the penis and unroll it all the way to the base. Put more spermicide or lubricant on the outside.
If you feel a condom break while you are having sex, stop immediately and pull out. Do not continue until you have put on a new condom.
After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, grip the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw from your partner.
To remove the condom from the penis, pull it off gently, being careful semen doesn't spill out.
Wrap the used condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash where others won't handle it. Because condoms may cause problems in sewers, don't flush them down the toilet. Afterwards, wash your hands with soap and water.
Finally, beware of drugs and alcohol! They can affect your judgement, so you may forget to use a condom. They may even affect your ability to use a condom properly.
Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, can be prevented!
Learn the facts so that you can protect yourself and others from getting infected. Condoms are not 100% safe, but if used properly, will reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. If you have unprotected sex now, you can contract sexually transmitted diseases. Later, if you decide to have children, you might pass the disease on to them.
If you would like more information about condoms and how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, talk with your doctor or call:
The National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. It's open 24 hours a day. Trained operators will answer your questions and can send you more information. Or visit their web site at http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/
For AIDS information in English, 1-800-232-4636
In English, en Español, 24 Hours/Day
TTY / Hearing Impaired Access, 1-888-232-6348
Some condoms are already lubricated with dry silicone, jellies, or creams. If you buy condoms not already lubricated, it's a good idea to apply some yourself. Lubricants may help prevent condoms from breaking during use and may prevent irritation, which might increase the chance of infection.
If you use a separate lubricant, be sure to use one that's water-based and made for this purpose. If you're not sure which to choose, ask your pharmacist.
Never use a lubricant that contains oils, fats, or greases such as petroleum-based jelly (like Vaseline brand), baby oil or lotion, hand or body lotions, cooking shortenings, or oily cosmetics like cold cream. They can seriously weaken latex, causing a condom to tear easily.
Does it matter which styles of condoms I use?
It's most important to choose latex condoms that say "disease prevention" on the package. Other features are a matter of personal choice.
What do the dates mean on the package?
Some packages show "DATE MFG." This tells you when the condoms were made. It is not an expiration date.
Other packages may show an expiration date. The condoms should not be purchased or used after that date.
Are condoms from vending machines any good?
It depends. Vending machine condoms may be OK:
If you know you are getting a latex condom,
If they are labeled for disease prevention,
If you know the spermicide (if any) is not outdated, and
If the machine is not exposed to extreme temperature and direct sunlight.
How should condoms be stored?
You should store condoms in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, perhaps in a drawer or closet. If you want to keep one with you, put it in a loose pocket, wallet, or purse for no more than a few hours at a time.
Extreme temperature -- especially heat -- can make latex brittle or gummy (like an old balloon). So don't keep these latex products in a hot place like a glove compartment
How should condoms be handled?
Gently! When opening the packet, don't use your teeth, scissors or sharp nails. Make sure you can see what you're doing.
What defects should I look for?
If the condom material sticks to itself or is gummy, the condom is no good. Also check the condom tip for other damage that is obvious (brittleness, tears, and holes). Don't unroll the condom to check it because this could cause damage.
Never use a damaged condom
How should I use a condom?
Follow these guidelines
Use a new condom for every act of intercourse.
If the penis is uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before putting the condom on.
Put the condom on after the penis is erect (hard) and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partner's body.
If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, pinch the tip enough to leave a half-inch space for semen to collect.
While pinching the half-inch tip, place the condom against the penis and unroll it all the way to the base. Put more spermicide or lubricant on the outside.
If you feel a condom break while you are having sex, stop immediately and pull out. Do not continue until you have put on a new condom.
After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, grip the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw from your partner.
To remove the condom from the penis, pull it off gently, being careful semen doesn't spill out.
Wrap the used condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash where others won't handle it. Because condoms may cause problems in sewers, don't flush them down the toilet. Afterwards, wash your hands with soap and water.
Finally, beware of drugs and alcohol! They can affect your judgement, so you may forget to use a condom. They may even affect your ability to use a condom properly.
Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, can be prevented!
Learn the facts so that you can protect yourself and others from getting infected. Condoms are not 100% safe, but if used properly, will reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. If you have unprotected sex now, you can contract sexually transmitted diseases. Later, if you decide to have children, you might pass the disease on to them.
If you would like more information about condoms and how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, talk with your doctor or call:
The National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. It's open 24 hours a day. Trained operators will answer your questions and can send you more information. Or visit their web site at http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/
For AIDS information in English, 1-800-232-4636
In English, en Español, 24 Hours/Day
TTY / Hearing Impaired Access, 1-888-232-6348
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