Condoms are not meant to be washed and reused, reminds the CDC

Just when you think you’ve heard it all, this headline reminds us there are some folks who need a firm warning when it comes to condom use. Apparently this problem must be fairly widespread enough to make the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) send out a tweet as a friendly reminder – “We say it because people do it: Don’t wash or reuse #condoms! Use a fresh one for each #sex act.”

Tweeted on its sexually transmitted disease site, CDC officials are saying that people are washing or reusing condoms instead of throwing them away. For whatever reason, apparently some people think of condoms sort of like washing their pillowcase to use over and over again. But, this habit is a risky practice for any couple especially when wanting to prevent a sexually transmitted disease.

According to the CDC, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise, making proper condom use more important than ever. One reason that may be why STIs are increasing is that the CDC has found out that only about 24% of women and 34% of men aged 15 to 44 used a condom during their last sexual intercourse encounter in the past year. Concerning the CDC as it should all of us, in September 2017, more than two million cases of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in the U.S. in 2016, which is the highest number ever.

The STI that accounts for the majority of cases (about 1.6 million) is chlamydia. This nasty STI can damage a woman’s reproductive system making the ability to become pregnant difficult if it is not treated. To treat chlamydia, like most STIs, is to take an antibiotic to clear the condition up. Key however is to be sure to get tested so a woman is aware she has an STI.

How to get the most protection when using a condom

· Read the label on the packaging the condom came in before using it. Check the expiration date to make sure it has not expired.

· Always open the package carefully. Any condom that is accidentally torn should not be used and should be thrown away.

· Choose the right kind of condoms to prevent disease – look for two things:

· The condoms should be made of latex or else with polyurethane for people sensitive or allergic to latex. Tests have shown that latex and polyurethane condoms can prevent the passage of HIV, and hepatitis and herpes viruses.

· The package should state that the condoms are to prevent disease. If it doesn’t say anything about preventing disease, then do not use them. Natural lambskin condoms are not approved for the prevention of STDs as bacteria can still spread through this type of condom.

· Store them in a cool, dry place. Storing condoms near heat (your back pocket or glove compartment) can make them weaker and less effective.

· Always use a new condom every time you have sex