Yes, couples who use the male latex condom correctly and consistently have a lower risk of acquiring all STDs, including HIV, compared with nonusers. A multicenter Italian study followed seronegative female sex partners of HIV-infected men for a median of 24 months. In a multicountry European collaborative study, about half of 343 couples used condoms at every coital act, and no new HIV infections occurred among the consistent users. Women with trichomoniasis were treated, enrolled, and followed for 45 days. Male condoms should not be reused.
Anecdotal reports suggest that reuse of male condoms is associated with higher breakage rates.
The latex membranes are generally not strong enough to withstand repeated stretching, friction, and cleaning. Female condoms should not be reused. However, anecdotal reports from acceptability studies show that a minority of women use a female condom more than once. The female condom should be put into place any time before the penis touches the vagina in order to prevent exposure to pre-ejaculate and semen. There is no evidence that different sizes will reduce breakage and slippage.