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Ask Dr. Cullins
These documents are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Take Good Care of Your Condoms

It is important to handle and store condoms properly. Long exposure to air, heat, and light makes them more likely to break.
  • Store them in a cool, dry place. 
  • Don’t store them in a back pocket, wallet, or glove compartment for long periods of time. 
  • Keep them in their individual foil or plastic pouch.

When you are ready to use the condom, don’t use it if the pouch is punctured or torn. Do not use your teeth or sharp objects, like scissors, to open the pouch.
 
Use only water-based lubricants, such as K-Y jelly or Astroglide, with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly, cold cream, butter, or mineral and vegetable oils damage latex.

Safe with all condoms

Unsafe with
latex condoms

Aqua Lube
Astroglide
Corn Huskers Lotion
deLUBE
ForPlay
glycerin
Gynol II
H-R lubricating jelly
K-Y lubricating jelly
PrePair
silicone lubricant
water and saliva
Wet — silicone and
 water-based only


 

Aldara Cream
baby oil
Bag Balm
butter
cold cream
head and body lotions
massage oils
mineral oil
petroleum jelly
rubbing alcohol
shortening
suntan oil and lotions
certain vaginal yeast infection
 medicine
vegetable or cooking oils
whipped cream

Learn more about condoms and safer sex.




Published: 04.15.08 | Updated: 04.15.08

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