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Guidelines for Male Condom Use

August 18, 2006

For those who always wandered if there were ever any guidelines or directions for using male condoms; well, looky, looky, I found some. Check out these guidelines and commit them to memory. They just may prove to help you out one day.

• Condoms should never be stored in hot places like car glove-compartments or wallets kept in pockets close to the body, as prolonged exposure to heat weakens latex.


• Sharp fingernails can damage condoms. In case of shaved or trimmed pubic hair extra care should be taken due to the stubble.


• Condoms are best put on the erect penis as soon as an erection is achieved and before any contact with the other person's body, and should always be put on before contact with a vagina or anus.


• Retracting the foreskin before putting on a condom maximizes mobility and reduces the risk of breakage during intercourse.


• Room needs to be left at the tip of a condom to hold semen. Most condoms have a reservoir tip that should be pinched while applying the condom to avoid trapping an air bubble which could burst later.


• Water-based sexual lubricants, such as KY Jelly, are safe for use with condoms, but oil-based lubricants weaken latex and may cause it to tear or develop holes. Lubrication can be used to reduce the abrasion on the condom during vaginal sex, and is virtually essential for anal sex. However lubrication should be used with care. One study has shown that additional lubrication may double the rate of condom slippage for vaginal sex and increase the rate of condom slippage for oral sex. The rate of condom slippage during anal sex however was reduced.


• Some condoms are designed specifically for anal sex. The material is slightly thicker, making these condoms less likely to tear than those designed for vaginal sex.


• Condoms should be discarded after the expiration date on the package. Even ones that seem fine past that date may be more likely to burst later.


• The penis should be withdrawn immediately after ejaculation, even if the erection can be maintained; leaving it in leads to needless risk.


• The base of the condom should be held during withdrawal to prevent the condom from slipping off.


• One's hands and penis should be washed before further physical contact with another person (including the sexual partner).


• Condoms are for single use only, and should never be reused.


• Condoms are available in special sizes for people who require larger or smaller ones.


• Practicing applying condoms alone in a well lighted place can help a man learn to apply it correctly before using them for sex.

Posted at 12:18 AM by Phil in the Safer Sex category/ies.

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Comments

Hey...Uhh thanx for the info!! Me and my partener had a great time w/ no slipping or bursting thanx to your advice!!!

Posted on March 07, 2007 at 11:43 AM by Kel. permalink

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