The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a reminder to the public to stop washing and reusing condoms.
The CDC said in a tweet that this reminder to all sexually-active Americans was sent out "because people do it."
We say it because people do it: Don't wash or reuse #condoms! Use a fresh one for each #sex act. https://t.co/o3SPayRf9mpic.twitter.com/AwkPqE9YMl
— CDC STD (@CDCSTD) July 23, 2018
The CDC provides the dos and don'ts for safe condom use on its website.
- DO use a condom every time you have sex.
- DO put on a condom before having sex.
- DO read the package and check the expiration date.
- DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
- DO store condoms in a cool, dry place.
- DO use latex or polyurethane condoms.
- DO use water-based or silicone-based lubricant to prevent breakage.
- DON’T store condoms in your wallet as heat and friction can damage them.
- DON’T use nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide), as this can cause irritation.
- DON’T use oil-based products like baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil because they will cause the condom to break.
- DON’T use more than one condom at a time.
- DON’T reuse a condom.
