Dos and Don'ts of Condom Usage

Alexander deLarge

Do's:

1. Do check the expiration date!
2. Do rip the package open with fingers, not teeth, scissors, knives, or anything sharp.
3. Do make sure there are no air bubbles, especially in the "reservoir tip."
4. Do make sure the condom is intact with no holes or visible deformities.
5. Do use water-based lubricants (KY Jelly, Astroglide, etc.) only. Oil-based lubricants like Vaseline will weaken the latex and should never be used.
6. Do use a condom with spermicide, or use spermicide in conjunction with the condom. This increases the chance of preventing pregnancy and STDs.
7. Do hold the condom at the base of the penis as you withdraw.
8. Do plan ahead and buy, borrow, or beg for condoms before you're in the throes of passion.
9. Do remember that no birth control method is 100% effective.

Don'ts:

1. Don't carry condom in your pocket, wallet, glove compartment, or anywhere hot. Heat weakens the latex.
2. Don't "double-bag." One condom works well; two creates friction and can break both condoms.
3. Don't reuse a condom. Sperm can be transmitted! Plus, it's nasty. ("Reduce, reuse, recycle" does not apply to condoms.)
4. Don't use anything but a latex or polyurethane condom. Sheepskin is great for sheep, but bad for STD prevention. Similarly, avoid glow-in-the-dark and flavored condoms, which can irritate the vagina, weaken the latex, and render the condom less effective.
5. Don't throw away the condom in the toilet; it will come back to haunt you.
6. Don't take a chance at contracting a life-long disease or getting pregnant because you don't have protection available.