Condom Care
- Handle condoms gently. Store them in a cool dry place. Long exposure to
air, heat, and light makes them more breakable.
- Do not stash them continually in a back pocket, wallet or glove compartment.
- Use lubricant inside and outside the condom. (Many condoms are pre-lubricated.)
Lubrication helps prevent rips and tears, and it increases sensitivity.
Use only water-based lubricants, such as K-YŽ jelly. Oil-based lubricants
like petroleum jelly, cold cream, butter, or mineral and vegetable oils
damage latex.
- Use a condom only once. Use a fresh one for each erection ("hard-on").
Have a good supply on hand.
- Condoms usually come rolled into a ring shape. They are individually sealed
in aluminium foil or plastic. Be careful - don't tear the condom while unwrapping
it.
- If it is brittle, stiff, or sticky, throw it away and use another.
- All condoms are tested for defects. But, like rubber bands, condoms deteriorate
with age. If properly stored, they should stay good until the expiration
date printed on the wrapper of each condom.
- Condoms may be transparent or opaque, tinted, nipple-ended, rippled, studded,
contoured, dry, powdered, or lubricated - with spermicide or without.
Don't be embarrassed by the thought of going into a store
and asking for condoms. Be proud. Buying condoms says that you are responsible
and that you accept your sexuality as a normal part of living.