Condom

Let’s face it, we aren’t always as nice to our condoms as we should be; we stuff them in pockets and leave them in hot cars or the bottom of our purse. That’s why before using a condom you should always check the expiration date and then give the wrapper a thorough inspection.

To make sure your condom is still intact, first press on the wrapper—you should feel a little cushion of air. If you can feel the air cushion it means that the outside of the wrapper has not been damaged or punctured. Next, while still pressing on the wrapper, feel for the slip-slide feeling of the lube. (Unfortunately this won’t work with unlubricated condoms.) When condoms are left in the heat or punctured, the lube can dry or leak out which in turn dries out the condom, weakening it and making it more likely to break in action.

Oral sex isn’t necessarily safe sex. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes can be transmitted orally—that is, from mouth to genitals and vice versa—especially if either of you have an open sore or bleeding gums. Using condoms or dental dams is a great way to make oral sex safer—and safer is more fun!

If a condom is too tight or uncomfortable, he can lose his erection. It’s not you, it’s the condom, so don’t feel embarrassed.

A good way to avoid this problem is to try out different kinds of condoms. Lucky Bloke has a “Not Sure What Size to Buy” condom sampler if you think size could be the issue. They also offer lots of other samplers if you just want to explore your options. You can also get variety packs through a bunch of other online retailers like Amazon, Condom Jungle, Sustain, and Condomania.

Using lube with condoms can increase pleasure while reducing discomfort and the chance of condom failure. Many condoms come with lubricant on them, but it never hurts to add extra. Just make sure if you do that your lube is condom-compatible—oil-based lubricants (including massage oil, hand lotion, and Vaseline) can cause condoms to break.

The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquitos and practice safer sex by using condoms consistently for all kinds of sexual contact. Zika is also another great reason to use birth control carefully and consistently if you’re not trying to get pregnant.

If you’d like more lubrication than your lubricated condom provides, go for it. Just make sure you use water- or silicone-based lube. Applying more lube to the inside or the outside of a condom—or both—can add to the sensation that there’s nothing in between you and your partner.

Just like milk, condoms can go bad… And when they do, they can break more easily. That’s why you should always check the condom’s expiration date and give the wrapper a thorough inspection before opening it.

Heat, sun, moisture, and fluorescent light can also make condoms more likely to break. To reduce the risk of breakage, store your condoms in a cool, dry place.