Condom Dos & Don'ts

Know your Condom Dos & Don'ts

DO

• Read all the information on the package. Know what you are using. 
• Check the expiration date on the package. If it is expired, get a new package of condoms and throw away the old ones.
• Use only condoms that are made of latex or polyurethane (plastic). Latex condoms and polyurethane condoms are the best types of condoms to use to help prevent pregnancy, STIs, and HIV.
• Use a pre-lubricated condom to help prevent it from tearing. If you only have a non-lubricated condom, put a little bit of water-based lubricant  (“lube”) inside and outside the condom.
• Condoms come in different sizes, colors, textures, and thicknesses. 
• Talk with your partner and choose condoms both of you like.

DON’T

• Do not use two condoms at once.
• Do not use condoms made of animal skin, sometimes called “natural” condoms. Animal skin condoms can help prevent pregnancy but don’t work as well as latex or polyurethane condoms to prevent STIs, including HIV.
• Do not keep condoms in a place that can get very hot, like in a car. If you keep a condom in your wallet or purse, be sure you replace it with a new one regularly.
• Do not use any kind of oil-based lubricants (like petroleum jellies, lotions, mineral oil, or vegetable oils). These can negatively affect the latex, making it more likely to rip or tear.
• Do not reuse condoms.
• Do not use condoms that are torn or outdated.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)