There are lots of unpleasant things guys can say about latex barriers. Sentences that involve the phrase "raincoat in the shower" immediately spring to mind for many men who are asked to slip on a sheath before the going gets rough. But in reality, a latex barrier could be a guy's best friend during an intimate encounter. That little bit of protection could prevent a pregnancy, block a bacterial or fungal infection, and even bar access to partner-transmitted diseases. But all of these male organ care benefits apply only when the latex barrier is used properly. Here's how to make it happen.

Inspection
When a latex barrier is furled inside of a foil-lined package, it can seem absolutely indestructible, but in reality, these products come with an expiration date. The chemicals used to make latex barriers, along with the lubricants that are squirted inside each little slip of material, tend to break down and erode over time. That breakdown can be accelerated if the latex barrier is exposed to high heat, which may take hold if a latex barrier is stored in:

• A car's glove compartment
• A wallet
• A bathroom medicine cabinet
• A backpack

Before any sort of activity begins, a latex barrier should be inspected. If the expiration date has passed, or if the little roll of material seems somehow brittle or discolored, it should be replaced.

The latex barrier package should also be on hand well before the action starts, and the little bit of protection should be easy for a busy guy to grab. Many people who hope to use a latex barrier become frustrated at how difficult the foil lining is to open, and in their haste, they damage the product before the festivities. Planning ahead is vital in order to prevent these mistakes.

Installation
Latex barriers are made with a tiny reservoir at the tip that is specially designed to catch fluid at the end of a successful session. That little cup should be pinched closed, and the latex barrier should be unrolled on a guy's firm male organ. Pinching keeps that cup available for catching, and unfurling correctly ensures a secure fit.

Lubricants slathered on the outside of a latex barrier can ease entry, but any product that is applied should have a base that's made of water, not oil. Products made of oil can degrade a latex barrier and make breaks and holes more likely, especially if the latex barrier is made of latex.

Action!
A properly installed latex barrier shouldn't slip and slide, but if it does, a pause in the action is in order. Replacing the latex barrier could keep the slips and slides from continuing.

It might be tempting to double up on latex barriers, particularly if one seems a little ill-fitting or somehow inefficient. But using two products at once could lead to disaster, as these two sheaths might rub up against one another, causing rips, tears and holes. One-at-a-time should be the name of the game when a latex barrier is in use.

Disposal
As soon as emission occurs, the latex barrier should come off. Removal can seem like a sticky subject, but holding onto the base of the latex barrier during withdrawal can help to ensure that no vital bits of material slip out, and after the male organ has subsided to its flaccid state, the product should come off quite easily.

Any used latex barrier should never be used again. Subtle rips and tears can form during the act or during the removal process, and that could lead to all sorts of difficulties. In addition, it's not sanitary to expose the male organ to the inside of a used latex barrier.

Aftercare
Latex barriers are designed to fit on the male organ, and many lucky guys have tested these products in labs to ensure that they fit right and deliver both pleasure and protection. But, the act of wearing a latex barrier can be a little irritating to the sensitive skin of the male organ, particularly for guys who have subtle allergies to lubricants and other chemicals.

A rinse post-action, followed by the application of a male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil), can help. The cool water will wash away any specs of irritants left behind when the latex barrier use is over, while the crème will help to restore the balance of vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health and function.