Can I re-use a condom?

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Gabe R	Please god, tell me you are joking. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Staccato	What was a condom doing in garbage by 7-11? Are you too cheap to buy condoms? You're using the internet..so apparently you can afford buying a condom!!! And you tried it on just to see if it fits or not? You're something! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

salsagal41	you could seriously get something from it!! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Kayla-Ann	hahahahhahaa. i hope your joking cause im cracking up... if not i might puke Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

schoolgirl1	Absolutely NOT!!!! You never should reuse a condom even if it was one that was worn by you because there could be a hole in it or...... But most importantly...... you have no idea who wore this condom and what, if any, diseases they may have. If you can't afford to buy your own condoms then you may need to think through getting involved sexually with someone. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

mango	lool man i dont think u can store it after trying it on u .. u only try it on before doing the sex .. then throw it away Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Vicki	Oh, my God! Hope you are joking. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

j H	of course it is NOT ok to use... unless you want to get a STD Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

addicted to piercings	very dangerous, unhealthy, and unclean practice. if you can't afford condoms, try any clinic. they usually provide free condoms. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

sotirakis5	Put it on your girlfriends penis, if her penis likes it then you can certainly put it on your penis. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

wwclark	Go to Planned Parenthood. They will give you one just for you!! Please do not breed!!!! LOL Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

♪♪Knowledge is Power♪♪	What do condoms have in common with toothpaste and toilet paper? Not enough, according to Adam Glickman, owner of the Condomania stores in New York and Los Angeles. Glickman, who has sold condoms by the millions to individuals and organizations such as the Peace Corps and Planned Parenthood, says condoms should be viewed as ordinary, like toothpaste and toilet paper. "People have gotten past asking, 'Isn't brushing my teeth every morning a hassle?' Given the world we live in, wearing condoms is something you just have to do, like brushing your teeth. The stakes are too high." Luis Lopez knows first-hand what's at stake. About 10 years ago, Lopez, now 31 and a health educator with the People With AIDS Coalition of New York, became infected with the HIV virus, which causes AIDS, during a casual sexual encounter. "I thought people with AIDS had purple spots or looked really skinny," Lopez says. "I thought by being discriminating about who I slept with, I could keep myself safe. We know now that makes no sense." We know now that abstaining from sex is the only foolproof protection from the sexual passage of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). We know, too, that for those who choose to have sex with someone who has any chance of being infected, using a latex condom during every sexual encounter can significantly reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, while protecting against pregnancy. For those who can't or won't use latex condoms, the Food and Drug Administration has cleared two alternative barrier methods of birth control, a male condom made of polyurethane and a condom that is worn by the woman. Both help protect against pregnancy and may provide some level of protection from STDs. Life-Saving Barrier A male condom, sometimes called a "rubber" or "prophylactic," is a sheath that fits snugly over a man's erect penis, with a closed end to catch the sperm and stop them from entering the woman's vagina. No prescription is needed to buy a condom. Data show that if a condom is used correctly with every act of sexual intercourse for one year, about three out of every 100 women are expected to get pregnant. Besides sperm, latex condoms act as a barrier to a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, and other infectious particles. By preventing contact with many sores and minimizing the exchange of infectious fluids, condoms can help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes infection, and genital ulcers. Even though sperm are enormous compared to HIV (see illustration), both are much too small to see. But even HIV, which is among the tiniest of STD organisms, cannot pass through a latex condom. Millions of Americans are infected with these diseases each year, and hundreds of thousands of them become seriously ill or die as a result. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, someone is infected with HIV every 13 minutes. CDC estimates that 65 percent of these AIDS cases can be attributed to sexual contact. The best protection from such diseases is to not have sex or to have a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who is known to be uninfected. However, for those who are sexually active, studies have shown that proper and consistent use of latex condoms is the best defense. A 1994 European study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at HIV transmission rates of heterosexual couples with one HIV-infected partner. The study compared the transmission rates for couples who used condoms consistently to those who didn't. Of the 123 couples who consistently used condoms, none of the HIV-free partners became infected during the study, whereas 12 of the 122 partners who didn't consistently use condoms became infected. "The scientific evidence is compelling," says Herbert Peterson, M.D., Chief of CDC's Women's Health and Fertility Branch. "We're not guessing about this." The spermicide nonoxynol-9, used in some condoms, has been shown to be effective as a contraceptive, and may reduce the risk of transmitting certain STDs. But the spermicide has not been proven to prevent sexual transmission of HIV. Similarly, lambskin (or natural membrane) condoms, while effective for contraception, should not be used for disease protection because the naturally occurring pores in lambskin are large enough to allow some viruses to pass through. Hole Check Since 1976, FDA has regulated condoms to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Currently, manufacturers of American-made and imported condoms electronically test each condom for holes and other defects. Also, before distributing the condoms to retailers, manufacturers perform additional testing on random condoms from each batch, usually involving a "water leak" test to find holes and an "air burst" test to check condom strength. FDA oversees the testing procedures by periodically inspecting the manufacturing facilities, and the agency tests some condoms in its own laboratories to confirm their quality. Condoms are sold in various colors, shapes or packaging to suit different personal preferences. But, whether they glow in the dark or taste like strawberries, products that sufficiently resemble a condom must comply with FDA's requirements, even if they are labeled as "novelties." The only condom-like products that need not comply are those that can't be used like condoms. For example, some novelty products have the closed end removed or are sealed so they can't be unrolled. Correct and Consistent Although condoms are generally expected to break less than 2 percent of the time -- with more than half of the breakages occurring before ejaculation -- real-life pregnancy rates over a year of condom use may be as high as 15 percent. Inconsistent or incorrect use of condoms explains the discrepancy, according to Lillian Yin, director of the division in FDA that regulates condoms and other reproductive devices. One national survey of heterosexual adults with multiple sex partners found that only 17 percent used a condom every time they had sex. "People say they use condoms," Yin says, "but do they use them each and every time and use them correctly? That's another ballgame. We hear it all the time -- 'We tried to use it, but...'" But what? Partner trust was the most-cited reason for not wearing condoms in a recent study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. But be careful, CDC cautions, because even a trustworthy partner could unknowingly have a sexually transmitted disease. Many participants in the NIH study said they didn't always wear a condom because sex feels better without them. Lopez responds, "If you don't use them, you run the risk of something that feels much worse." Sometimes a couple can't use a latex condom because one partner is allergic to latex. For these people, FDA has approved condoms made from polyurethane. If a man objects to wearing a condom for some other reason, Planned Parenthood suggests possible replies. For example, to the partner who says, "I guess you don't really love me," the organization suggests responding, "I do, but I'm not risking my future to prove it." If the man still chooses not to wear a condom, the Reality female condom cleared by FDA in 1993 offers an alternative. (See For the Female.) Using condoms consistently is a start, but using them correctly is another key to protecting oneself. User error, not poor condom quality, leads to most breakages. But a few simple rules can minimize breaks and leaks. (See Handle with Care.) Even when used correctly, condoms aren't perfect, CDC acknowledges, comparing them to other important safety-enhancing behaviors like wearing seatbelts and bicycle helmets. Imperfect as they are, condoms can significantly reduce the rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. "Correct and consistent condom use," says CDC's Peterson, "could break the back of the AIDS epidemic." Handle with Care To get the maximum protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, remember the following things when using condoms: Store condoms in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Don't make the common mistake of storing them in a glove compartment, wallet or purse. Don't use a condom if the package is damaged or the rubber material is sticky, brittle, discolored, or otherwise deteriorated. Don't use a condom after the expiration date or more than five years after the manufacturing date. Never reuse a condom. Use a new condom with each sexual act that involves contact with the penis. Handle a condom carefully to avoid damaging it with fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects. Put on the condom after the penis is erect and before intimate contact. Place the condom on the head of the penis and unroll it all the way to the base. Leave an empty space at the end of the condom to collect semen. Remove any air remaining in the tip by gently pressing the air out toward the base of the penis. Ensure adequate lubrication during intercourse. When needed with latex condoms, use only water-based lubricants such as K-Y jelly or Glycerin. Don't use oil-based lubricants such as baby oil, petroleum jelly, massage oil, body Lotion, or cooking oil because they can weaken the latex. Oil-based lubricants may be used with polyurethane, however, without damaging the material. After ejaculation, hold onto the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw the penis while it is still erect. For the Female The pouch-shaped Reality female condom enables women to protect themselves against pregnancy and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The female condom is made from polyurethane and, like the male condom, is a nonprescription barrier method of birth control. The device has a closed end that is inserted deep inside the vagina to catch the sperm and an open end that remains outside the body. A female condom should not be used with a male condom because the devices will not stay in place. Over the course of a year, between 5 percent and 21 percent of women who use the female condom are expected to get pregnant, depending on whether the condom is used correctly with every act of vaginal intercourse. The female condom also provides some level of protection against STDs. As with other condoms, follow label directions carefully to ensure that the material is not deteriorated or torn. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

mauricecaselle	1. Eww, nooo! I'm sure you're joking! 2. I sure hope you're having a good laugh! 3. Think COMMON KNOWLEDGE! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

colecole1979	hell nah, u nasty Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

wanker	sure dude but don't blame anyone if you get AIDS for your stupidity. cheers! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Hali	well then wats the point of using it?its already got *** from 2 other ppl.so really just do unprotected sex cuz its better to know where u got stds from than think its sum stranger. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Hitesh s	hey man ... ru out of ya mind.. throw tht used condom out... u might get some disease and will curse urself forever. i wud spend 4 more dollars for new one instead of using used one.... plz.. dont use it... Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

tom12690	BAD IDEA! lmao, how old are you? ten? my best laugh of the WEEK. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

busyfingers	You could'nt have done anything worse. Never ever do anything like that again. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

brendalyn	Are you out of your mind? These items are for one-time use only. Secondly, how could you even think of putting someone else's used condom on yourself. Who cares if it was washed, it can still carry diseases. Would you use someone's old, used toothbrush that you found in the garbage?????? Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

S P	ehh...righttttt ummm nope Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

javi01	lmfao ur dumb. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Michael J	No!!!!!!! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Wizzard2	BEST LAUGH OF THE DAY Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

deshawn_93	dude LORD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL damn your stupid NO goodness and you try it on why aand are you that poor you cant buy some TROGAN MAN or somethin for like 4 bucks Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

darr65	NNNNNOOOOOOOO ewwww!! you must be joking !! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

dropkickchick	That is the most disgusting thing I have ever heard. A stupid question deserves a stupid answer so I will say "YES BY ALL MEANS REUSE THE CONDOM THAT SOME GUY USED ON SOME AIDS INFECTED CRACK WH0RE." Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

blondie	no because there could still be sperm and get your girl pregnet with another guys sperm Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Orinoco	Ewww get tested by your doc, man! And then if he FINDS a brain, get an STD test too Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Mr. Superman	Sure! just lick out the frosting on the inside and roll it back up. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

EMAILSKIP	Yes, but first poke a hole in it to let the sperm out. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No