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DON'T use home abortion kits and female self-sterilization kits.
Stay away from home abortion kits and female self-sterilization kits offered for sale on the Internet, warns the FDA. None of these kits have been approved by the FDA and can cause heavy bleeding, birth defects and even death.
DON'T use oil with latex.
Did you know that oil immediately creates holes in latex? Vaseline, lotions and even whip cream contain oil and will weaken or break your condom. Make sure you use latex compatible lubricants, or if you must use oils be sure to wear a polyurethane condom. Polyurethane is safe to use with oil and water based lubricants......Be safe.
Mineral oil is a common ingredient in many lotions. According to the Center for Disease Control, within as little as 60 seconds of exposure, a 90% decrease in latex strength will occur. To demonstrate, blow up a latex condom, place a dab of oil or lotion on it and watch it explode! Moral of the story? Don’t use oil on latex.
DON'T use novelty condoms or lambskin condoms for disease prevention.
Warning! Novelty condoms and Lambskin, or natural condoms, are not effective in the prevention of disease. For best protection, be sure to use only quality latex or polyurethane condoms.
DON'T let your condoms get hot.
Did you Know that heat contact with latex will increase the chance of breakage? Hot temperatures, humidity, and even ultraviolet light can contribute to the deterioration of your virtuous condoms. So keep your boys out of the glove box, and if in doubt, toss ‘em out. We'll get you some more.
DON'T use Nonoxynol-9 spermicides if you don't have to.
Spermicides are supposed to act as a chemical barrier and used for added protection. Nonoxynol-9 is a spermicide commonly found on condoms and in lubricants. Some people are allergic to nonoxynol-9 and may develop a rash or irritation which can make them more susceptible to infections. Findings from the Centers for Disease control and prevention states that the spermicide nonoxynol-9 should not be recommended as a preventive measure against HIV. And in case studies actually increased the risk for HIV infection. Many condom manufacturers are discontinuing the use of spermicides.
DO use FDA approved condoms for disease prevention and pregnancy.
A commonly held misperception is that latex contains tiny "holes" that allow the passage of HIV. This is false. Laboratory studies show that intact latex condoms provide a highly effective barrier to sperm and micro-organisms, including HIV and the much smaller Hepatitis B virus. (Information provided by Centers for Disease Control and The World Health Organization.)
Do - use a new condom every time.
During intimate contact, lesions and various body fluids can transmit STDs. Therefore, a new condom should be applied each and every time before any such contact occurs.
DO - use a non-latex condom if you are allergic to latex.
Polyurethane condoms are a non-latex alternative to latex condoms. You may use this non-latex condom if you or your partner are allergic to latex. There are laboratory tests on this non-latex material. These tests show organisms as small as sperm and viruses like HIV cannot pass through it.
DO - Use Condom Protection
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