Sex-iversity is a question and answer column designed to provide important information and answers to questions regarding sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted infections and reproductive rights. Voiced by Julia Kristan, a member of Voices for Planned Parenthood (VOX) branch at the University of Massachusetts and an active volunteer for the Everywoman’s Center on campus, the column is intended to help educate the university community about reproductive health, rights, legislation and responsibilities. Much of the statistical information provided in this column derives from research done through and obtained by Planned Parenthood and its national affiliates.

Q: My boyfriend and I want to use lube with condoms. Does hand lotion make condoms break more easily or is this an old wives tale?

A: Yes! Hand lotions and other oil-based lubricants will make condoms break more easily. The oils in these products quickly break down the latex in the condom, making it far more susceptible to tearing. When putting on and dealing with condoms, it is important to have clean, dry hands for successful contraceptive protection. If you’ve put lotion on your hands, wash them thoroughly before touching a condom.

Here’s a checklist of proper condom usage:

After making sure your hands are clean and dry, check the expiration date. Squeeze the individually wrapped package a little between your fingers to make sure there is no hole in the wrapper. Carefully open wrapper, there should be a “tear here” mark to guide you. Take the condom out of the wrapper and gently unroll about a half an inch so you can pinch the top. The pinching helps keep condoms from breaking upon ejaculation and leaves a “reservoir” space for semen.

Place the tip, while still pinching it, on the top of the erect penis and unroll the condom. If you have the condom upside-down, it will be at this point where you cannot unroll it. It should look like a donut on the outside of the rubber. If it doesn’t, don’t simply flip over the condom; get another one and try again. There are sperm in the pre-ejaculate fluid males emit when aroused, and yes, those little guys can get you pregnant, not to mention they can transmit STDs. As you unroll the condom, make sure there are no air bubbles as these also can cause breakage. Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the penis.

After intercourse, may it be vaginal, oral or anal, remove and dispose of the condom properly. To remove the rubber correctly, take the penis out still erect while holding onto the condom. This prevents the condom from slipping off and allowing semen to spill back onto the vaginal area. Throw away the condom and do not use again. Never re-use a condom, ever. In addition to being difficult to get back on, the effectiveness of the condom will be naught.

Now hand lotion and vegetable oil might be handy around the house, but they should not under any circumstances be used as personal lubricants with condoms (or without them for that matter; irritation, ladies and gents!).

There are a wide variety of lubricants on the market that are water-based, making them safe to use with latex condoms. Search for them online, check in pharmacies or drop into your local sex shop. There’s a world of possibilities out there; experiment with what works best for you. In addition to being fun, lubricants aid in protecting you, your partner and the condom. They reduce tearing and can ease pain, especially for women.

There are also lubricants that contain Nonoxynol 9, which is a spermicide. This can be a beneficial second measure to utilize in your quest for the contraceptive methods that work for you and your partner. There are condoms that have Nonoxynol 9 on them ready-to-go, or you can buy gels and foams containing the spermicide. The Nonoxynol 9 works to kill sperm in case of a tear in the condom. However, if a tear or break in the condom is suspected or confirmed, a call to your doctor or local Planned Parenthood is wisest. The sooner you act the better, no matter what your decisions will be.

Unfortunately, Nonoxynol 9 has been found to increase the risk of STD transmission in several studies. This may be due to the fact that using Nonoxynol 9 can increase vaginal irritation, thereby increasing the odds of a tear in the vaginal lining and transmission of an STD. While it is far better to use a condom with Nonoxynol 9 on it, or a product containing the spermicide, you might want to read about other options.

Condoms can be great for contraception and STD prevention. Remember, cook with vegetable oil and lube with products designed for that task!

Questions? Comments? E-mail arts@dailycollegian with the subject “Sex-iversity.” Confidentially is respected.