Condoms aren’t the absolute savior of all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy prevention methods. But they’re pretty damn good. At the same time, they don’t have to be as annoying and bothersome as some people think they are, either. Nothing is perfect, and neither are condoms, but as a (relatively) easy and affordable barrier during sex, they’re pretty freaking great.

If it’s been a while since you used condoms or you’ve used them on autopilot for a few things, there may be a few details you’ve forgotten. Considering what condoms can prevent, these are things you really need to remember.

Condoms Expire

If the condom in your wallet is so old that it’s made an impression in the pocket, it could be expired. This isn’t like pretending the “sell by” date on milk doesn’t mean anything. Old condoms can dry out and break more easily. Tears, rips, and breaks make a condom essentially useless.

Before you buy a new box, check the expiration date. And before you pull an old condom out of a drawer or something, check again. It’s better to throw it away than to deal with the stress when it breaks.

They’re Not Just for Penetrative Sex

Most people think of condoms being used for anal sex or penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex. And yes, those are probably the most common uses, but that’s not all. Finger cots cover your finger during anal or vaginal penetration. Dental dams can be placed over any area where your mouth and tongue will be for oral sex.

For nearly every kind of sex, there’s a condom to use. They’re also good if you want to experience something — like a prostate massage — with your partner but have an ick feeling about it. A finger cot or dental dam (and lube!) may make it easier for you both to explore.

You Have Multiple Options

If you’ve been using the same condom for years, and love it, good for you! But if you only tolerate it and wish you had something better, you’re not stuck with whatever you’ve got. There are thousands of different condoms on the market. Much like sex toys, no single condom works for everyone else.

You can try different sizes. Choose a thickness level or added texture. Buy latex-free or glow-in-the-dark. A “female” condom (better to called it a vaginal condom) can be inserted into the vagina. Literally, there’s a condom for every person who might decide to use one.

Condoms Aren’t Foolproof

When you use a condom perfectly, it has a 98 percent effective rate. Use a condom with spermicide, and it’s 97 percent effective. (The disparity has to do with a slightly higher tendency to break.) But typical (and imperfect) use puts it about 85 percent effective for preventing pregnancy.

Most experts and doctors recommend pairing any kind of condom with another kind of contraception if the plan is not to get pregnant. Before you consider it, NO, don’t put on two condoms and “double up.” You increase the chance of a rip or tear because of the friction that will occur with two condoms rubbing against each other.

Add Lube When Necessary

Some condoms are lubricated right out of the package. Lube is good with condoms because it prevents friction during penetration. Even if you buy non-lubricated condoms, you should still have lube handy. If your partner has a vulva, they might not get or stay wet. If you’re having anal sex, lube is a must.

Not all lubes are good for condoms, though. Never use an oil-based lube because it can weaken the latex (or polyurethane) and cause a rip. Water or silicone based lubes are the best option.

You Can Use Condoms on Sex Toys

Why would you want to use a condom on a sex toy? Let us count the ways…

• Keep it clean, especially if it’s a toy that can’t be sterilized.
• Share it with multiple partners with less worry about STIs.
• Use it for both anal and vaginal play. Note: Never stick something in a butt and then stick it in a vagina without cleaning up first. The easiest way is to use a condom for anal and remove (or change) the condom for vaginal penetration.

If your sex toy is made of rubber, jelly, Cyberskin, TPR/TPE, or some other porous material, use a latex-free condom and water-based lube. Since you can’t fully clean and sterilize these materials, condoms are the best way to keep them clean.

Using Condoms Doesn’t Kill the Mood

You know what kills the mood? Pregnancy scares. Worries about STIs. Feeling like you should have said something about a condom but you didn’t. Condoms might not be foolproof and work 100 percent of the time, but they’re effective when used right. They’re also an affordable option of both STI and pregnancy prevention.

Talk about using a condom before you get naked. Expect that your partner will want one, have one, or be okay with one. Set a boundary for yourself that says sex with a new partner includes condom use until you both decide it doesn’t.

Some people only use a condom for a short amount of time. Others use them with every partner, every time. What’s most important is that you use condoms when you need them, and that you keep yourself and your partner safe.