Condoms are considered an important commodity for any dating adult. Not only do they prevent unwanted pregnancies, they also serve to protect people from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Their affordability and easy accessibility have increased their frequent use for protection.
However, many people do not know how to better store this commodity. Like any commodity, their quality degenerates over time. Improper storage and mishandling further decrease their efficiency. Aside from knowing how to put it on, it is important to check if the condom you use is still safe to put on.
Here are some of the common mistakes that people make with regards to use of condoms:
1. Ignoring the expiration date
The majority of condoms are made of latex which is a rubber-like material. On average, if stored properly, commercial latex condoms last four to five years from its manufacturing date. It's important to check both the manufacturing and expiration dates because they become brittle after the date of expiration.
2. Once opened it should be used immediately
Opened condoms dry up and lose their elasticity making them brittle when used sometime after opening. It is therefore advisable to only open them as and when the need arises.
3. Averagely certain types of condoms last longer than others
There are different condom types each designed with additive material for a specific purpose. This factor gives them varying shelf lives. However, latex condoms have the longest shelf life amongst other types. You should be able to identify the shelf life of your preferred tool.
4. Curbing the allergic reaction to latex
Polyurethane is a material used as a latex substitute and caters to those allergic to the latex. It offers a safe alternative for people who are allergic to latex. Also, there are other exotic condoms out there made up of organic material such as animal intestine which might be perfect substitutes to latex.
5. Always go for thick condoms
A condom’s thickness only matters when it’s subjected to action. Thick condoms are more resistant to tears and burst and therefore offer a far much safer option.
6. Don't just store them haphazardly
Ideally, condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place in order to extend its shelf life. Unthoughtful placement near sources of heat such as sunlight dries up the moisture inside the pack and makes your condoms brittle.
7. Avoid placing your condoms in wallets
Placing it in an area where it is subjected to friction, pressure, and constant changes in temperature cause damage to the condom’s structure. The wallet and back pockets are definitely bad places to store them.
8. Do not discard the box if you don't plan on using all of them
Always leave the remaining pieces within the box. Outside the box it may be placed in areas where it can be easily scratched and punctured by other objects in your bag such as keys, pens, and other sharp items. This may cause damage that’s hard to identify by the time you use it.
9. Rookie mistakes
Tenderfoots in the sex world tend to mishandle the condoms during use. Mishandling comes from either using the wrong lubricant, two layers of condoms at once, or by wearing it improperly.