The other day I was going through my special drawer at home, and instead of pulling out a condom, I got a handful of lube that had leaked from the bottle! It sort of ruined the moment. Another thing that can ruin the moment is a broken condom.

The first step in making sure your condoms don’t break is checking your special drawer this spring. Look at the expiration dates of your condoms and throw out all the ones that have expired. Also, the ones sitting in your car or in your wallet probably are past their time. Friction from your wallet and the heat in your car can destroy the latex, putting you at risk for a broken condom and a ruined moment. Try to keep them in a dark and cool area.

Condoms come in different shapes and sizes. Some men have trouble using standard size condoms. A condom which is too big can slip off and a condom that is too small can break or be uncomfortable. There’s a wide range of condoms out there, from Trojan Magnums to ones for snugger fits.

Thick or thin? Regular condoms are just as safe as ones that say they are thicker. As well as increasing feeling, they are cheaper and easier to find. When condoms break, it’s because they have not been used properly. Remember to use water based lube with condoms that will provide an extra safeguard to making sure things go as smooth as planned. Avoid condoms that use Non-oxynol 9 which can irate and potentially allow HIV easier access into the bloodstream.

Finding new things to try and getting rid of something that doesn’t work anymore can be part of your sexual spring cleaning. At CAMP, we have many varieties of condoms that you can try! Stop by and pick some up! Also, look for our CAMPsafe condoms in the bars around town.

CAMPsafe Outreach Worker Needed

The CAMPsafe project of CAMP Rehoboth is accepting applications for part-time summer outreach workers in Rehoboth Beach. Outreach workers will be trained to deliver HIV prevention messages and materials to individuals and groups in public settings where gay and bisexual men gather. Work shifts and times vary from Friday through Sunday. Day and late night shifts available. Must be comfortable talking with many people and in large groups. For information or to submit a resume, e-mail Salvatore Seeley at SalvatoreSeeley@aol.com or mail to: Salvatore Seeley, CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Sal Seeley is Program Director of CAMPsafe, an HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention program funded through a contract with the Delaware Division of Public Health. Free HIV testing is offered at CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Avenue. To schedule an appointment, call Sal Seeley at 302-227-5620.