Condoms are considered one of the best ways to protect yourself against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies.

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Although condoms are not 100 percent effective when it comes to protection, they can save your life if used properly.Here are five things to check before using a condom. 1.    Expiry dateCondoms come with an expiry date. Although they can last up to three years depending on the brand in question, condoms expire. An expired condom is not safe for use since it can easily break during sex. Make sure you confirm that the condom has not expired before buying one.2.    Packaging Is the packaging of the condom okay? Poor packaging of condoms makes them more likely to have holes that can lead to STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Carefully check the package of the condom for any form of damage before purchasing the same.3. Testing mark Check whether the condom you want to use has the testing mark. The testing mark is a clear indication that the condom has been taken through a rigorous examination to determine whether it can break or not. A condom without the testing mark is not worth using.4. Carefully open the condom Care must be taken into account when opening a condom. Never rush while opening a condom because you can cause it to break. Slowly remove the condom from the package before using it. 5. SizeIf you have borrowed condoms from your friend then it can be wise to confirm its size before using it. Condoms come in different sizes hence the need to determine whether it fits you properly before using the same.