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

True. Always pinch the tip of the condom before unrolling it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

View Article Sources Sources

Reviewed by Tracy C. Shuman, MD on

Edited on February 01, 2006

'Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

Men's Health Guide

Lose the Gut

Fitness & Exercise

Sex & Intimacy

Health Minefields

Emotions & Family

Looking Your Best

Depression: Learn about the Symptoms

Urgency, Strain, Lack of Control...

Prescribing Information

Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.

Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.

UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.

If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.

Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.

Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.

BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.

The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.

Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.