 [ Symptoms ] how do i get maximum protection from a condom [ Disease ] using a condom correctly and consistently can protect against unwanted pregnancies and hivaids as well as a variety of other sexually transmitted diseases including hepatitis b gonorrhea syphilis and the virus that cause genital warts health experts credit the widespread use of condoms for reining in the hivaids epidemic in many parts of the world some studies show that condoms are more than 90 effective at preventing hiv transmission here are some tips for getting the maximum protection from condoms do not take it off before ejaculation store condoms in a cool and dry place out of sunlight your wallet is fine for the weekend but do not depend on a rubber you tucked away a year ago check the expiration date if yours has expired toss it do not reuse condoms use a new condom if you switch from vaginal sex to anal sex and vice versa for latex condoms use only water based lubricants k y and astroglide for instance do not depend on natural skin or lambskin condoms to protect against stds if you are sensitive or allergic to latex try a synthetic condom usually made of polyurethane these typically have a longer shelf life and can be used with both water  and oil based lubricants the downside the ability of synthetics to fully protect against stds has not been proved avoid condoms with spermicide these are no more effective than plain condoms at preventing pregnancy and they have a shorter shelf life make donning a condom part of the pleasure of foreplay that way you are less likely to lose your erection