 [ Symptoms ] what causes male condoms to break [ Disease ] there are several reasons why a condom would break too old modern condom wrappers have a date after which the condom should not be used improper storage heat damages latex condoms so they should not be kept in a hot place such as a car glove compartment or wallet not enough lubrication additional lubrication is always needed for rectal sex it may also be needed for vaginal sex the lubricant should be water soluble such as ky jelly the wrong kind of lubricant lubricants that contain oil    such as vaseline baby oils and vegetable oils    should not be used with latex condoms since they weaken the rubber too small try a larger size partner too tight use an extra strength condom and more lubricant