Sexual Health: Condom Quiz

1. Latex condoms are recommended for the prevention of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

True or False...

2. Oil-based lubricants like baby oil and Vaseline are safe to use with latex condoms.

True or False...

3. Condoms can break if the tip is not pinched to remove air bubbles.

True or False...

4. After sex, a man should withdraw from his partner immediately, holding onto the base of the condom.

True or False...

5. If washed carefully, a condom can be used safely over and over.

True or False...

6. To be prepared, it is always a good idea to have a condom in your wallet.

True or False...

7. Condoms, like groceries, have expiration dates.

True or False...

8. When it comes to condoms, one size fits all.

True or False...

Answers

1. Latex condoms are recommended for the prevention of unintended pregnancies and STDs.
   
   True. Latex condoms, when used properly, are very effective in preventing unintended pregnancies and STDs. People who are allergic to latex can use polyurethane condoms instead. Lambskin (or sheepskin) condoms have tiny pores that may be large enough to allow viruses to pass through. These condoms are not recommended for prevention of STDs.
2. Oil-based lubricants, like baby oil and Vaseline, are safe to use with latex condoms.
   
   False. Use only water-based lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly, with condoms. Oil-based lubricants will weaken the condom and cause it to break.
3. Condoms can break if the tip is not pinched to remove air bubbles.
   
   True. Always pinch the tip of the condom before unrolling it.
4. After sex, a man should withdraw from his partner immediately, holding onto the base of the condom.
   
   True. This will prevent the condom from slipping off and possibly leaking inside his partner.
5. If washed carefully, a condom can be used safely over and over.
   
   False. Condoms can be used only once! Always use a new one if passion strikes twice.
6. To be prepared, it is always a good idea to have a condom in your wallet.
   
   False. This is a bit of a trick question. While you should be prepared, condoms kept in warm places, like a wallet or glove compartment, can weaken from the heat. An outside coat pocket or at home in a cool, dry place are better places to keep condoms.
7. Condoms, like groceries, have expiration dates.
   
   True. Most condoms are good for 3-5 years. Check for the date printed on the box or condom wrapper.
8. One size fits all.
   
   False. This is another trick question. While some companies make larger-sized condoms (which some men do actually need), a standard sized condom can be stretched over a person's skull. (Yes, it's true!) The standard size should be large enough to accommodate most men. Note: it is just as important to make sure the condom is not too large. If this is the case with the standard size, there are "snug" sizes also available.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.