Latex Condoms and Risks of STDs : Part 2

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 2 of 3)

Choosing a Condom

The first step in choosing a condom is to read the label and look particularly for the following: The condoms should be made of latex (rubber), The package should say that the condoms are to prevent disease.

If the package doesn't say anything about preventing disease, the condoms may not provide the protection you want even though they may be the most expensive ones you can buy.

Novelty condoms, for example, will not be labeled for either disease- or pregnancy-prevention. Condoms that don't cover the entire penis are not labeled for disease prevention and should not be used for this purpose. For proper protection, a condom must unroll to cover the entire penis.

Some condom packages bear the words "DATE MFG." This is the date when the condoms were made, not an expiration date. FDA requires that all condoms to which a spermicide has been added be labeled with the expiration date of the spermicide. New York state requires an expiration date on all condoms sold in that state. To gain access to the New York market, therefore, most of the five domestic manufacturers of condoms will now include this date on all their packages, usually abbreviated "EXP." The condom should not be purchased or used after that date.

Condoms are available in almost all pharmacies; many supermarkets and other stores also carry them. They are also available from vending machines. When purchasing condoms from vending machines, as from any source, be sure they are latex, labeled for disease prevention, and are not outdated. Do not purchase condoms from a vending machine located where it may be subject to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures — especially heat — can make latex brittle or gummy.

Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Closets or drawers usually make good storage places. Condoms should not be kept in a pocket, wallet or purse for more than a few hours at a time because they may be exposed to extreme temperatures. Places that may get very hot, such as car glove compartments, are particularly poor storage areas.

When opening a condom, handle the package gently. Don't use teeth, sharp fingernails, scissors, or other sharp instruments as these may damage the condom. And make sure you can see what you're doing!

After you open the package, inspect the condom. If the material sticks to itself or is gummy, the condom is no good. Check the condom top for other obvious damage such as brittleness, tears and holes, but don't unroll the condom to check it because this could damage it.

Spermicides

Some experts think that even if a condom with spermicide is used, additional spermicide in the form of a jelly, cream or foam should be added. These are sold over the counter in pharmacies and some supermarkets. (Although swallowing small amounts of spermicide has not proven harmful in animal tests, it is not known if this is true for humans. For that reason, and because spermicides have a bitter taste, for oral sex it may be best to use a condom without spermicide.)

Spermicide should be added to the condom in the following way:

Before placing it on the penis, put a small amount of spermicide inside the condom at its tip.

After the condom is on the penis, apply more spermicide to the outside of the condom.

Spermicide can also be placed inside the vagina. Directions for this are included in the spermicide package. Spermicides are required to carry expiration dates and should not be used after this date.

Lubricants

Lubricants may help prevent condoms from breaking during use and may prevent irritation that might increase the chance of infection. Some condoms already are lubricated with dry silicone, jelly or cream. If those you buy are not already lubricated, you can add water-based lubricants specifically made for this purpose (for example, K-Y Lubricating Jelly).

If you use a separate lubricant, never use a product that contains oils, fats or greases such as a petroleum-based jelly (for example, Vaseline), baby oil or lotion, hand or body lotions, cooking shortenings, or oily cosmetics such as cold creams. These can seriously weaken latex, causing a condom to tear easily. If you are not sure which product to use, ask your pharmacist.

If you use a spermicide, you do not need to use a lubricant because spermicide acts as a lubricant.

How to Use a Condom

The following guidelines are suggested to insure that the condom is used properly for disease protection:

Use a new condom for every act of intercourse and oral sex.

If the penis is uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before putting on the condom.

Put the condom on after the penis is erect and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partner's body. If using a spermicide, put some inside the condom tip.

About the Author

www.fda.gov
FDA is A United States government body that oversees medical devices, including contact lenses, intraocular lenses, excimer lasers and eyedrops. In the US, these products must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.