Reusing Condoms Safety

Using a condom that has already been used by someone else, even after washing it, is not safe and can have health risks. Condoms are designed for single use, and reusing them can lead to exposure to sperm, bacteria, or viruses that may still be present even after washing.

Sperm from another person won’t cause a direct reaction in your body, but the bigger concern is the potential transmission of infections. Even though you washed the condom with Dettol and cold water, this is not enough to completely kill all bacteria or viruses that might be present. Washing with cold water is especially ineffective, as many pathogens require proper sterilization methods to be eliminated. Dettol can help reduce some germs, but it does not guarantee complete protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, herpes, or hepatitis.

If the person who previously used the condom had an STI, there is a risk of transmission if the condom wasn’t properly sterilized. The 5-minute drying time you mentioned is also not sufficient to ensure the condom is safe to use again. Condoms are made of materials that can be compromised if reused, potentially causing them to break or not function correctly.

If you’re concerned about exposure to infections, it’s important to get tested and speak with a healthcare professional. In the future, always use a new condom to protect yourself from infections and other health risks.