Buying and storing condoms
Use condoms with a new partner until you are certain that person does not have any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Use a condom whenever you have sexual intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex. Even if you are protected against pregnancy by birth control pills or another method, use condoms to prevent STDs.
- Buy condoms sold in the United States. These condoms meet strict safety standards and are unlikely to break or leak.
- Keep the condom in its package until you are ready to use it.
- Check the condom for an expiration date. Throw away condoms that have passed the expiration date.
- Avoid storing rubber (latex) condoms in any hot place (such as the glove compartment of a car). Heat can weaken the rubber and increase the chance that the condom will break.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: October 2, 2007 |
| Medical Review: |
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease |
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