Broken condoms can certainly ruin a mood. That’s why it is super important to store and use them properly. If you store and use a condom right, it should not break. Here are a few things to remember:

Condom do’s and don’ts:

Double bagging is good for groceries, not sex. Never wear two condoms at once. The friction can weaken the condom and could cause it to break.
Use water based lube products! Never use oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline. Again, this can weaken a latex condom. Not enough lube and lots of friction can mean broken condoms.
Make sure you are using a condom that is a good fit. Penises come in all shapes and sizes. So do condoms. Find one that’s right for your member. There should be some room at the tip of the condom.
Never reuse a condom. Condoms are one-time-use only.
Always check for an expiration date and make sure the condom has not been damaged before using.
Find a home for condoms that isn’t too hot or too cold. Do not store condoms in your car. A good place to store condoms would be in a dresser drawer.
Don’t keep condoms in wallets or back pockets. Friction weakens them!

Information provided by The Sexuality Education Resource Center. Be sure to like us on Facebook and check out our website at www.serc.mb.ca.

Republished from The Quill print edition, Volume 104, Issue 3, September 17, 2013.