Is every condom tested?

Yes, every single LifeStyles condom is electronically tested, with further water tests, air inflation tests, forced ageing and tensile strength tests carried out on a selected number of condoms from each batch. This is all before any rigorous activity you might put it through!

What's the best way to use a condom?

All our condoms are sold with an instruction leaflet, which clearly explains and shows you how to use a condom properly. This makes good bedtime reading :-)

You can also check out the How to use a condom part on our Website.

How many times can I use a condom?

All condoms are to be used only once. We recommend that after use, you wrap the condom in a tissue and dispose of it in a wastepaper bin. Do not throw it in the toilet as it could cause a blockage.

How long can I keep condoms before I use them?

All condoms have an expiry date printed on the box and foil. Always use a condom before this date and throw away any condom that has expired.

Can I use baby oil as a lubricant with condoms?

No, baby oil must not be used as it can damage the latex. Lubricant Gel is fine to use.

If my partner uses a condom and it breaks, what should I do?

Visit your doctor immediately for a personal consultation. Your doctor may prescribe you the morning after pill.

Can you tell me the shelf life of the condoms?

All quality condoms should have an expiration date. LifeStyles Lubricated Condoms (Original, Ultra Thin, Ribbed, Flavours, Forte and Xtra Pleasure) have a five-year expiration date from the time they were manufactured; while our Ultra Safe and Warming Pleasure condoms expire in three years.

Can you tell me when this condom was manufactured - I've included the lot no. 0501022216.

LifeStyles Brand lot numbers are really easy to read. The first two numbers represent the year; the second two numbers represent the month. So, you can tell that lot number 0501022216, for example, was manufactured in January 2005.

I have two of your condoms that have expired according to the package. Can I use them?

Condoms should not be used after they reach the expiration date.

Is the spermicidal lubricant harmful when participating in oral sex?

Neither the two lubricant bases, silicone and mono-propylene glycol, nor the spermicide nonoxynol-9 itself are food substances. However, they should not be harmful if ingested in the small amounts present on a condom. Taste may be a larger issue.

Is it safe to use condoms in water, under water (shower, bath, hot tub, swimming pool, etc.)? Is it a safe practice for preventing pregnancy?

Condoms are processed and tested in aqueous environments, and at temperatures in excess of comfort level for human contact, without damage. If the condom remains on the penis, it will be as safe and effective in the water as in more conventional situations. If for some reason being under water makes the condom come off, of course it cannot do its job. It is important to remember also that some bath oils or similar substances may be harmful to latex.

Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to the spermicide that you are using in your condoms?

Possible, but not probable. Some people are sensitive to nonoxynol-9, the spermicide used in our Ultra Safe condom. Nonoxynol-9 is a liquid detergent, which has been judged safe and effective in the amounts present on condoms. Some clinical studies have reported irritation in some subjects who have used spermicidal condoms very often. The vast majority of our spermicidal condom users have no difficulty at all.

I just had a condom break and leave pieces inside of me. Will it come out by itself?

The answer to this question has to be "It depends." Since we cannot foresee all the variables, we must assume the answer to all situations is "No, not necessarily." Therefore, we recommend that customers who believe this has happened see their doctor.

I am a vegetarian. Are condom products free from animal components?

Latex condoms are virtually 100% natural rubber latex, the origin of which is a tree. All condoms have trace amounts of chemicals, which are not of animal origin.

My girlfriend and I were having sex and I ejaculated first. She wants to keep going while we're still in the heat of the moment. But I want to know if I should stop to change the condom?

Yes. To be safest, pull out immediately after ejaculation, put on a new condom and wash your hands--simply because once the ejaculate is present your risk of transmitting infection or viable sperm is greatly increased. Don't forget to hold the rim of the condom firmly as you withdraw from your partner.

Is it safe to use lubricants with condoms?

Water-based or silicone-based lubricants are safe to use with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants are not safe because they weaken the latex. Don't use Vaseline, baby oil, cooking oil or butter!

Can carrying a condom in my wallet cause damage to the condom?

Yes, it's better to use a fresh condom from a new package. The heat from your "hot body" can reduce the quality of the condom.

How should condoms be stored?

They should be stored in a cool, dry place (15-20º C) far away from extreme heat or cold.

My partner told me he didn't need to use a condom because he was tested for STDs and doesn't have any. What do you think?

Testing is wonderful. However, Herpes lesions may be dormant or venereal warts may not have appeared. And has your partner not been in any sexual relationship with anyone for 13 weeks? That is the period required before an accurate HIV test can be done. Use condoms, and get tested!

Should I use a condom for oral sex? Can you get AIDS from oral sex?

The facts are not all in yet. Don't take chances...use condoms.

Does condom size matter?

Yes, if a condom is too tight, it can be uncomfortable and more likely to break. If it's too loose, it's more likely to slip off. Condom regulations require that size be measured in mm.

Are thin condoms safe?

Yes, they are all tested.

Do you have any suggestions about how to make safer sex with condoms more exciting?

Flirt and have fun with it! Get your partner to roll the condom in a tempting manner - don't treat it like "it's a job and somebody's got to do it."