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. There is no need to provide more than one size latex condoms. Further, condom size had a minimal impact on device acceptability. Latex condoms should not be used with oil-based lubricants or products that have an oil as a major ingredient.
Oils weaken condoms and can increase the risk of breakage.
Some substances that cause deterioration of latex condoms within an hour of exposure are mineral oil, baby oil, petroleum jelly, suntan oil, olive oil, peanut oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, margarine, coconut oil, dairy butter, insect repellents, burn and hemorrhoidal ointments, rubbing alcohol, cod oil, and shark oil. Lubricants that contain these products should not be recommended for use with latex condoms. Other products that weaken latex condoms are specific vaginal creams, vaginal spermicides, and sexual lubricants. Studies have found that some condom users think products that wash off easily with water are water-based and therefore acceptable to use with condoms. Water-based lubricants may reduce the risk of condom failure.