Storing condoms

BY RICA CRUZ

Hi Doc Rica,

My boyfriend insists that I keep condoms in my bag for our more spontaneous adventures. But I feel sort of embarrassed kasi my family has this habit of going through my stuff. Sabi ko sa kanya sa wallet niya na lang ilagay. Masisira daw ‘yung condom or baka daw mabutas. Totoo ba ‘yun or joke time lang? In addition, nakakaturn on daw kapag ako ‘yung may dala ng condom in a sense na I am ready for him daw. Thank you.

Manhole Cup

Hi Manhole Cup,

First and foremost, it is a good thing that you use protection. Kailangan talagang maging practice ang at least bringing a condom for when you two want to have sex. But then again, dapat ‘wag kang mahiya to have condoms in your bag dahil this also reflects on being mature and responsible dahil hindi kayo careless kung magsex. Your parents should actually be proud.

Generally, totoong dapat hindi nilalagay sa wallet ang condom. Madami kasing possible actions like bending, friction, at body heat na nagcocontribute sa deterioration ng isang condom. It will weaken or might even break. Ang extreme heat or freezing naman ay magiging dahilan para maging marupok ang condom kahit pa mabalik ito sa normal room temperature. Puwedeng magkaroon ng microscopic holes at mga punit ito na makakaepekto sa effectiveness ng condom as a contraceptive and preventing sexually transmitted infections or STIs.

For best results, dapat ang mga condoms ay nasa isang cool, dry, and dark place. Puwede itong nasa bedside table. Baka din possible na bumili ng isang hard case or mag-improvise ka ng isang lalagyan kung ilalagay mo ito sa iyong bag. Makakatulong ito para maiwasan ang ano mang makakaapekto sa isang condom. Also, remember to check the expiration date of the condoms pala. Hindi puwede ‘yung “pwede pa ‘yan” attitude sa condoms kahit pa walang visible damage dito.

Isa ang condom sa mga basic and easily accessible contraception methods. Kailangan mo ding alagaan at proteksyunan ang gagamitin mong proteksyon. Always enjoy and be safe!

With love and lust,

Doc Rica

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Rica Cruz is a Licensed Psychologist, Sex and Relationships Therapist, and Sex Educator. Follow her at facebook. com/TheSexyMind and @_ricacruz in Twitter and IG.