5 Condom Facts Every Latina Should Know

Almost everyone has had that Sex Education class wherein the teacher humorously places a condom on a banana to simulate how to put a condom on properly.

However, according to Latina, there are several myths and beliefs about condoms that might actually be shocking:

Fact or Myth #1: Using two condoms is actually better than one.

This is a myth. According to NHS, whether the couple is using two male condoms or one male and one female, it's actually not safe to use two condoms. The use of multiple condoms actually increases the risk of one of the condoms breaking or failing.

Fact or Myth #2: There is a wrong way to use a condom.

This is actually a fact. Using a condom might seem simple enough but Lifestyles reports that there is actually a large number of people who don't know how to properly use a condom. The biggest mistake is that if the condom doesn't roll down smoothly it means that it's being put on backwards.

Fact or Myth #3: Condoms have an expiration date.

This is also a fact. The shelf life for a condom that has a latex base is only really safe to use for about three years. Condoms that do not use a latex base is good for about five years. Thus, guys who have been saving a condom for that special occasion might want to think about buying a new one.

Fact or Myth #4: The best place to store a condom is in a wallet.

This is a myth. Condoms are actually sensitive to many things including water, friction, light and heat. Placing a condom in a wallet might actually damage the condom, thereby reducing its effectiveness. The best place to store a condom is actually in a drawer or pocket that is not frequently sat on, like a shirt or jacket pocket.

Fact or Myth #5: All condoms are safe.

This is also a myth. There are a lot of novelty condoms that are not approved as safe. There is actually a logo or mark that must be on the packaging of the condom to recognize that is safe for sexual intercourse. In Europe, this mark is the European CE or BSI Kite Mark.

Knowing which myths about condoms are correct and which ones are actually false is essential to ensure the safety of the users. If there are any questions about what is true and what is false, it is always best to consult a doctor.