CDC Warns Sexually Active Users Not To Reuse or Wash Condoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of Atlanta, is reminding people that they should not be reusing or washing condom to reuse.

The announcement was made via the agency’s Twitter account.

The CDC said using male or female condoms, and female dental dams can help to alleviate the danger and spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as viral hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV.

A 2016 CDC STD Surveillance Report shows that there’s been an increase in the number of STD cases with Georgia ranking among the top five U.S. states for a high rate of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.

In 2016, there were over two million cases of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea reported in the U.S.

According to the CDC website, the failure to use condoms correctly leads to a higher risk of STD/HIV transmission. What are some of the rules people should be following when using condoms?

• A new condom should be used after every sex act.

• People are urged to check the box for the condom’s expiration date.

• Place condoms in dry, cool place.

• The condom should half an inch of space so that semen can collect and none spills out when removing the condom.

• Immediately remove a condom that appears to be breaking and use another one.

• Do not use oil-based lubricants, as they can cause the latex to weaken and break. Silicone and water-based lubricants are better with condoms.

• Never use the same condom.

The CDC recommends people follow the guidelines listed below:

• Anybody between 13 and 64 who are sexually active should get tested yearly for HIV.

• Any sexually active individual should speak with their healthcare provider about STD testing.

• Women 25 and under should get yearly chlamydia screenings.

• Women at high risk are also urged to get tested for chlamydia.

• Women who have multiple partners or are with someone new are encouraged to get tested for HIV and other STDs.

• Pregnant women should get an STD test for chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and gonorrhea very early on in their pregnancy.

• Pregnant women 25 and younger who have new or more than one partner should ask for a chlamydia and gonorrhea tests.

• Men actively having sex with other men should be tested yearly for any STD including HIV.

• Men at high risk, including more than one partner, should be tested every three to six months.