Use condoms with a new partner until you are certain that person does not have any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Use a condom whenever you have sexual intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex. Even if you are protected against pregnancy by birth control pills or another method, use condoms to prevent STDs.

• Buy condoms sold in the United States. These condoms meet strict safety standards and are unlikely to break or leak.
• Keep the condom in its package until you are ready to use it.
• Check the condom for an expiration date. Throw away condoms that have passed the expiration date.
• Avoid storing rubber (latex) condoms in any hot place (such as the glove compartment of a car). Heat can weaken the rubber and increase the chance that the condom will break.