After 14 years of experience in my retail shop, I have heard thousands of ‘condom experiences’ from customers: “The condom broke”? “Those condoms are bad, they break” “I hated those condoms”.
When condom failure occurs; why I ask, do we defer responsibility to THE CONDOM. The condom did it; it was the condoms’ fault!

Fact– condoms are inanimate objects; they do not purchase themselves, they do not open themselves and they do not put themselves on… enter humans.

Humans choose and BUY the condom(s) they use; then humans OPEN the condom wrapper and humans PUT the condom on in some fashion. Human interaction contributes to common, condom problems: Condom is not a good fit, not enough lubricant the entire length of the condom or not enough room has been left at the tip for the ejaculate.
For those using and enjoying condoms, thank you for making a choice to protect your sexual health. For those who’ve had poor experiences with condom use, the information to follow may be very helpful.

My company O!ZoneWholesale, is also the American importer of RFSU vegan condoms from Sweden. Last year I traveled to the manufacturing plant in Hennen, Sweden; I personally wanted to witness their manufacturing and testing processes. RFSU also owns and operates an accredited testing lab for testing all RFSU condoms, not a common practice in this industry.

Fact– RFSU established the testing process used by the FDA today. It is called the Triple Test:
1. Condoms are filled with a measured amount of air; they must hold a set pressure limit prior to bursting.
2. The condom latex is stretched over a machine that measures the elasticity limit necessary for regulations, prior to breaking.

3. Finally, the condoms are lowered into a vat of water and a measured, electrical current is passed through the water. This test will identify any condom that has a hole.

RFSU takes it two steps further; a lab technician will fill the condom with water and push the water towards the reservoir tip, revealing any leaks.
Once the condom is in the wrapper, another electronic test is preformed to identify any minute holes that may be in the wrapper.

As I explain the testing needed for condoms to meet FDA requirements, this question pops up- “Do they test every single condom?” The answer is no. Once a batch (sometimes referred to as LOT) has been produced, a predetermined, mathematical ratio of condoms from that batch is tested. If the selected condoms pass the tests listed above, the batch is deemed ready for market. RFSU is one of a few manufacturers that also stamp the LOT (batch) number on EACH condom.
When I import RFSU condoms into America, the FDA Compliance Officer requires my brokering agent to send in a condom mix (they randomly remove condoms from every case) for testing. Once the condoms pass FDA testing, the shipment is released for use. If for some reason the condoms do not met the FDA criteria, the shipment would be destroyed.

RFSU condoms meet or exceed the standards set by the European Council (CE) and the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Fact—any condom sold in the USA that can protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STD’s/STI’s), must meet the standards set by the FDA.
Fact–Condoms that meet the requirements of the FDA will have a manufacturer’s lot number and an expiration date marked on the condom wrapper. RFSU also applies the lot number to EACH condom, again not a common practice among manufacturers.
If you do not see an expiration date, consider the condom to be a novelty that will NOT protect against disease or pregnancy. These condoms should be marked as ‘Novelty ’.
Fact- The lubricants used on condoms by the manufacturer, are not regulated by the FDA

All condom manufacturers add the lube to the condom, after it has been rolled. When the condom is unrolled; the lube will have only made it half way down, leaving the bottom half dry. Dry latex and dry skin contribute to breakage and irritation. Latex is very drying to women, so make condom compatible lubes your friend. Lube is your friend!

If you want the condom for protection, you must protect the condom.
**Men, DO NOT carry condoms in your wallet; body heat and pressure from sitting- have an adverse effect on the latex.
**Women, DO NOT carry loose condoms in your purse or backpacks; the condoms will be susceptible to punctures and compromised.
**Store condoms at room temperature, NOT in your car or the freezer.
**Lubricate the condom all the way to the base with a condom compatible lube. No petroleum based lubes please.
**Pinch an inch at the top to leave room for the ejaculate.
** Make sure the condom is a good fit; if the condom takes your attention away from the event, it is not a good fit. There are many, many condom choices on the market.

FACT–
THE BEST CONDOM, IS THE CONDOM THAT FITS AND FEELS THE BEST BETWEEN THE TWO PEOPLE USING IT-

Condoms ARE like tennis shoes, but that title warrants a blog of its own…

Caryn Thompson
O!ZoneWholesale.com