THE BEST PLACE TO STORE YOUR CONDOM

Everybody has the ability and the right to practice safe sex; whether you identify as lesbian, gay or straight, there are options you can choose from to help you look out for your sexual health. One of these options is condoms.
When stored and used safely, condoms can keep you safe from unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and HIV. But how can you make sure your condoms stay safe.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CONDOM IS GOOD QUALITY
Check that the packet hasn't been punctured and still has air in it
If it doesn't have air inside, the packet may have been punctured and the condom may be damaged, have a hole in it or be weakened in some way. You can do this by simply pressing the packet between your fingers and you should be able to feel air in the packet.

CHECK THE EXPIRY DATE
Like food, condoms can go off. They become dry, discoloured and stiff. This means that the condom will likely tear or get small holes and not protect you. The expiry date is usually written on the front or back of the condom packet.

CHECK IF THE CONDOM PACKET HAS BEEN STAMPED WITH A BUREAU OF STANDARDS STAMP
If it has, it means that the condom is good quality

THE BEST AND WORST PLACES TO STORE YOUR CONDOMS
How you store the condom is also important. Here's a list of good and bad moves for condom storage:

Good move: Store your condoms at a cool room temperature, this is usually between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Bad move: Don't keep your condoms in the fridge, freezer, in the car or out in the sun. If they get too hot or too cold, they can become thin or brittle and this makes them less effective.

Good move: Your condoms should  always be stored in the packet and only taken out just when you want to use one

Bad move: Don't keep condoms in your wallet, purse or back jean pocket. We say this because you may be opening and closing the wallet/purse, sitting, or standing and all this movement can wear out the condom.

Good move: If you need to keep a condom in your wallet,  you can put it in just before going out but only if you are planning to use it the same day. Any longer than that won't be safe.

A better move: Keep your condoms in a small tin or separate coin purse if you are taking a condom with you. If you are storing a condom in a handbag or backpack, keep them in a safe compartment, away from keys, tweezers or anything sharp.

At home, you can keep them in a tin or box next to your bed or wherever you think is safe from prying eyes.
Keeping your condoms in the best condition possible means that they'll be effective in protecting you from unplanned pregnancies and STIs.

Take care of your condoms and they'll take care of you.