10 tips to better and safer sex

1. Two condoms are never better than one:

In theory, it may seem like a bright idea, but two condoms increases friction and can therefore lead to breakage. Who wants to take the time to put on two anyway? One will do the job just fine.

1. Condoms have an expiration date:

Be sure to check the expiration date before you slip into your protective shield. Condoms have expiration dates for a reason. After a certain length of time, molecules begin to wear down and the rubber will be more prone to ripping.

1. Look for an air bubble:

Before opening a condom, check to see if it has a little pocket of air in the middle. If not, throw it away and grab another one. No questions asked; no ifs ands or buts. That condom’s life is over.

1. Do not store condoms in your wallet:

Wallets are constantly opened and closed, sat on and dropped. A condom inside of a wallet receives the same treatment. Day after day, this treatment will begin to put small tears in the condom. Small tears lead to unwanted STIs and pregnancies.

Condoms should not be stored in a car on a sunny day or any other hot location. Heat will also cause the condom to wear down. If you’re carrying around a condom so people think you’re having crazy amounts of wild sex, stop. If they see the same condom day after day, they’ll know you’re not using it.

1. Practice:

Our logical, problem-solving minds are not at their peak when possible orgasm is just around the corner. A condom needs to be put on in the dark while two people are very horny. This isn’t the time to read directions and learn how to properly put one on.

1. Water-based lubrication is your friend:

Any oil-based lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, lotion or baby oil, can cause a condom to break more easily. Only use water-based lubrication with condoms. A lubricant tip: put some in the tip of the condom before putting it on: It decreases friction on the inside.

1. Give yourself some room:

When putting on the condom, be sure to squeeze out all of the air at the tip. If you don’t, there will be no space for sperm to go after ejaculation. This can lead to a condom tearing.

1. Flavored condoms can be fun:

Flavored condoms can be a good way to increase the safety and fun of oral sex, but they should not be used for vaginal or anal sex. Infections are much more likely to occur when strawberry or piña colada is added to the cocktail of bodily fluids already inside your body.

1. A new condom should be used for each sexual encounter:

Condoms are not reusable. Each time sex stops and resumes at a later time or date, a new condom should be opened and used. Besides, what could make a person feel less special than implying, “You’re only worth one condom to me?” Condoms are cheap: Stock up.

1. Ejaculation means game over:

As soon as ejaculation occurs, pull out immediately. Not doing so can cause the condom to slip off inside of your partner, which would defeat the purpose of wearing it.