Condoms

Condoms are made from natural latex, which naturally degrades over time. However, improper storage—especially in hot and humid climates like Thailand—can significantly speed up the deterioration process. To ensure the condom’s effectiveness, proper storage is essential.

How to Store Condoms Correctly:

• Avoid storing condoms in humid areas or places exposed to heat, direct sunlight, or fluorescent lighting.
• Do not store condoms in your car, as it can become extremely hot and damage the material.
• Avoid keeping them in tight or compressed places like a wallet or the back pocket of pants, which can cause them to tear easily due to pressure.

Types of Condoms

Condoms can be categorized by surface texture into two main types: smooth and textured (ribbed or dotted). When purchasing, always check the packaging for:

• Manufacturer or importer name
• Batch number and production date
• Expiration date
• Presence of lubricant or spermicide
• Fragrance or flavor, if any

Most condoms are made from natural or synthetic latex, come in various colors, and are designed with different tips—flat, reservoir, or nipple-shaped—with some coated in lubricant or spermicide.

In Thailand, condom sizes commonly available range from 49 mm to 56 mm, though up to 13 sizes exist globally, from 44 mm to 56 mm.

Some condoms are coated with Nonoxynol-9, a spermicide to enhance pregnancy prevention and STI protection.

Advantages of Male Condoms:

• Prevent unwanted pregnancies and protect against HIV and other STIs
• No prescription required; safe and without major side effects
• Lightweight, portable, inexpensive, and disposable
• May help delay ejaculation and does not impact long-term fertility

Limitations of Male Condoms:

• Must be worn when the penis is fully erect
• Some users report a reduced natural sensation
• Requires proper storage away from heat and sunlight
• Incorrect use may cause breakage or slippage, leading to HIV/STI risk
• Access and availability of condoms should be widespread and convenient

How to Choose the Right Condom:

Before purchase or use, consider the following:

• Packaging must be intact and undamaged
• Look for the Thai FDA (อย.) approval mark to ensure safety and quality
• Check the expiration date printed on the packaging; if only the production date is shown, shelf life is generally up to 5 years
• Choose the right size and features that suit your needs

Lubricants

Most condoms come pre-lubricated.

• Recommended lubricants: Water-based or silicone-based (e.g., glycerin, KY Jelly)
• Not recommended: Oil-based lubricants (e.g., baby oil, petroleum jelly, cooking oils), as they react with latex and can cause breakage

How to Use a Condom Properly:

• Use a condom every time you have sex—vaginal, anal, or oral
• Carry more than one in case you need a backup
• Store in an accessible place
• Put the condom on after full erection and before any penetration
• If the condom slips off or breaks, replace it immediately

Steps for proper use:

• Open the packet carefully. Push the condom to one corner and tear open, avoiding sharp nails or teeth.
• Pinch the tip of the condom to remove air, reducing the risk of breakage.
• Roll the condom onto the penis, ensuring the rolled side is on the outside. Uncircumcised users should pull back the foreskin first.
• If it feels dry, apply water-based lubricant to the outside of the condom. Never use oil-based products like lotions or creams.
• After ejaculation, withdraw while the penis is still erect. Hold the base of the condom to avoid leakage.
• Wrap the used condom in tissue and dispose of it in the trash. Do not reuse.

What to Do If a Condom Breaks:

• Stop intercourse immediately and remove the broken condom
• Urinate and wash the external genitals with clean water. Do not douche or rinse internally as this may cause micro-tears and increase risk
• Put on a new condom before continuing
• For anal sex, follow similar steps but avoid defecating immediately as it may open tissue and raise the risk of infection

Condoms Are Not Just a Man’s Responsibility

Most contraceptive options focus on women—pills, injections, implants, and IUDs—all of which prevent pregnancy but not HIV or STIs. Condoms, however, provide dual protection. Yet, they’re often marketed primarily for men.

It’s time to change that mindset: Condoms are a shared responsibility. Both partners should feel empowered to initiate the conversation and ensure protection is used.

Condom Use = Confidence in Safe, Enjoyable Sex

Using a condom correctly ensures peace of mind and extended sexual satisfaction. Proper use helps delay ejaculation, increases comfort, and—most importantly—protects against infections. They’re available in many styles and sizes, so preparation is key. Always keep one within reach.

Two Condoms at Once? Not Safer

Some people think using two condoms provides better protection. In fact, using two increases friction and makes them more likely to tear. Similarly, putting on a condom only before ejaculation is too late, as STI transmission can occur through pre-ejaculate and skin-to-skin contact.

Safer Sex = Smart Sex

What does it mean to be smart about sex?

If you’re not ready—say no

Not using a condom = taking a risk

When is it OK to have sex?

When you have condoms ready and use them every time

Using condoms shows self-respect and respect for your partner