Condoms are a bit unwanted, often mishandled and, at times, neglected—but it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, it should never be that way.
We committed to making this Valentine’s Day and, coincidentally, National Condom Day smoother, safer and sexier for you with the help of Dr. Emily Morse, sexologist and co-host of the weekly radio show “Loveline with Dr. Drew Pinsky” and LifeStyles Condoms, maker of the popular SKYN brand, aka “the closest thing to wearing nothing.”
We asked for your most pressing condom etiquette questions and chose the five most relatable queries. Morse imparted her wisdom and LifeStyles Condoms gifted the authors of the questions with ‘shag bags.’ Here are those questions, answered, so you’ll never be ill equipped or ill informed the next time things heat up. Remember: no glove, no love.
“The best way to dispose of a condom is to wrap it in a tissue and simply throw it in the trashcan. Even though flushing a condom down the toilet seems to be the quick and dirty solution, don’t do it. Most condoms do not break down and will clog your pipes. That’s just an awkward encounter with your plumber waiting to happen.”
Is it safe to keep condoms in your wallet? If not, where is the best place to keep them?
“The most common place to keep a condom, the wallet, is one of the least safe. Even though countless movies show the guy suavely whipping out his condom from his wallet, the friction from opening and closing your wallet can actually deteriorate the condom over time. The best place to store condoms are in cool, dry spaces that are below room temperature. This means your glove compartment (unless it’s summertime, or you live in a hot climate), your bathroom’s medicine cabinet, any side table near your bed, or anywhere without intense, direct sunlight. Finally, don’t forget to check the expiration date! Trash any condoms that are even a few weeks out of date. Try writing the expiration date on the box when you buy them so you never have to worry about it.”
What’s the easiest way to make the transition from foreplay to putting the condom on as seamless as possible?
“It doesn’t have to be awkward once you get the hang of it and you’re comfortable with your partner. It takes time. But don’t rush the process just because you feel a little awkward. Be sure to open the condom at one corner with your fingers. Do not use your mouth, fingernails or anything that could puncture or damage the condom. Take the condom from the packet and place the roller side on top of your erect penis. Pinch the tip of the condom to let the air out and allow room for semen to collect. Then roll it down. It gets easier if you pay attention to the condom from the time you pull it out to the time you put it on so it doesn’t get turned around.”
How do I get my girl to put on the condom, but still keep it sexy and not ruin the moment?
“As we know, guys are very visual, so having your partner put on the condom is definitely hotter. The best way to get her to do it the first time is to tell her you want to watch her put it on. You can open it for her and then call the shots. Describe to her in great detail what you’d like her to do and how you’d like her to do it, and be sure to fill her in on how much it’s turning you on. You can also buy a condom that you know you’ll both get excited from—something with all the bells and whistles—like LifeStyles’ EverLast Intense. It’s studded for her maximum pleasure and has delay lubricant to prolong your erection. Also, If your partner has a latex allergy, no need to skip a beat. Just pick up a pack of non-latex SKYN Condoms by LifeStyles. SKYN Condoms are made of polyisoprene and have a softer, more natural feel than latex.”
Last time I had sex, I lost my erection when trying to put the condom on. What can I do to avoid this kind of situation?
“First, remember it’s no big deal if this happens; you can just go back to fooling around until it comes back. You can also try Promescent, which is a delay spray that helps men last longer in bed. It doesn’t transfer to your partner, and you can put it on before you have sex so you know you’ll stay hard without worrying about anything but sexual pleasure.”
