DO's
- Use only latex or polyurethane condoms.
- Store condoms appropriately. Keep condoms in a cool, dry place.
- Apply the condom on the erect penis before any sexual contact.
- Squeeze any area from the tip of the condom to minimize the possibility of leakage.
- Use a generous amount of water based lubricant to reduce friction and minimize the risk of the condom breaking.
- Pull out immediately after ejaculation, holding the condom in place to prevent it from slipping off and leaking semen.
- Dispose of the condom immediately after use.
DON'Ts
- Never store condoms in hot places such as your wallet or car.
- Never use out of date condoms. Older condoms can be weak and break easily.
- Never unroll the condom before putting it on the penis.
- Never use oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline. They weaken condoms, increasing the risk of the condom breaking.
- never use your teeth or scissors to open a condom wrapper. This increasing the risk of cutting or tearing the condom.
- Never reuse a condom.
- Never allow the penis to go flaccid before pulling out. This can result in leakage or semen.
These do's and don'ts courtesy of the American Social Health Association, 2004.
