# I know medical personnel used to reuse needles, but...... **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 12, 2016, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172 "2016-06-12T05:23:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/1 "2016-06-12T05:23:06Z")
I was at a rummage sale yesterday and found an early 1970s edition of this book, which I also discovered is a classic in its field and yet I had never heard of it (and this is an interest of mine). It’s very Mexico-centric but the information could apply to anywhere, including the U.S. if there was a local or bigger breakdown of the social order; it’s also obvious that this book was published prior to the discovery of AIDS, because they recommend washing and reusing condoms :eek: :eek: :eek: I guess you do what you have to if there’s no alternative. I’ve never even heard of people doing that in other crisis situations, like WW II; has anyone else? Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. Here’s a link to the book, “Where There Is No Doctor”. > **[Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook Eighteenth Updated...](https://www.amazon.com/Where-There-No-Doctor-Handbook/dp/0942364155)** > > Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook Eighteenth Updated printing January 2022 \[David Werner, Carol Thuman, Jane Maxwell\] on Amazon.com. \*FREE\* shipping on qualifying offers. Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook... The author, who is still living, was fired from his own company in the early 1990s after credible allegations, which he did not deny, that he had messed around with teenage boys he was looking after. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/2 "2016-06-12T07:58:35Z")
When that advice was being given, materials were expensive and the things were designed to be reused. When plastic food bags were first in use, they weren’t regarded as disposable. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/3 "2016-06-12T09:28:29Z")
- Hey Bob, can you lend me a condom? - Sure. You might want to wash it out first. ---
**Author:** ![JacobSwan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@JacobSwan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JacobSwan)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/4 "2016-06-12T11:05:16Z")
The U.K. had a series of public information films in the early 90s about AIDS. One of them had an old man talking about his reusable condom that he called Geronimo. It was the best he could get when he was young so people shouldn’t complain about latex ones. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/5 "2016-06-12T11:48:55Z")
I don’t think there was any problem with washing the condoms however the ironing was a bit problematic. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/6 "2016-06-12T12:47:49Z")
This book was from the 70s? Maybe it was the 1870s because in the 1970s you could buy boxes of disposable condoms (Trojans or whatever) that were pretty much indistinguishable from what you can get today. Maybe it was different in Mexico but I doubt it. ---
**Author:** ![Flyer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/flyer/32/7298_2.png) [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/7 "2016-06-12T13:43:09Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > This book was from the 70s? Maybe it was the 1870s because in the 1970s you could buy boxes of disposable condoms (Trojans or whatever) that were pretty much indistinguishable from what you can get today. Maybe it was different in Mexico but I doubt it. Mexico would have been an even more Catholic country back then than it is now. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/8 "2016-06-12T14:38:08Z")
Reusable rubber condoms were still sold until, at least, the 1950s. They were meant to be used by the same man, washed and dried flat in between uses. Which is why they’re called “rubbers.” Pictures: [http://www.topbritishinnovations.org/Home/online\_science/explore\_our\_collections/objects/index/smxg-96752](http://www.topbritishinnovations.org/Home/online_science/explore_our_collections/objects/index/smxg-96752) ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/9 "2016-06-12T14:44:21Z")
> [@don\_t\_ask](#): > > I don’t think there was any problem with washing the condoms however the ironing was a bit problematic. Don’t use too much starch. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/10 "2016-06-12T14:45:45Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > When that advice was being given, materials were expensive and the things were designed to be reused. [Riveted](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UQK3ozq0Mk) for her pleasure? ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/11 "2016-06-12T14:57:40Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. Here’s a link to the book, “Where There Is No Doctor”. > > [https://www.amazon.com/Where-There-No-Doctor-Handbook/dp/0942364155/ref=sr\_1\_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465708614&sr=8-1&keywords=when+there+is+no+doctor](https://www.amazon.com/Where-There-No-Doctor-Handbook/dp/0942364155/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465708614&sr=8-1&keywords=when+there+is+no+doctor) Wow! When I saw this I turned over my shoulder and looked at the author of the aging paperback on my bookshelf: “Onde Não Há Médico, 8a Edição” and realized that it is indeed the same book. [Here’s my copy](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/minor7flat5/1d9baae2f0ad68ba6b9c3894ef6b504b_zpsknosnbk2.jpg) I had always figured it was written by some Brazilian, or American doctor living in Brazil, about how to stay alive in the Amazon rain forest. The cover illustration is fitting. I have never actually read it–my wife brought it here from Brazil. There are lots of illustrations, and the book does make an effort to provide useful information for a person who is far from medical help for a long time. For the record, on page 293 the book says _“Essas camisinhas têm um preço variável: umas são mais baratas que outras. Muitos, para economizar, usam o preservativo várias vezes, lavando-o depois de cada uso. Essa prática pode dar ocasião a uma gravidez inesperada por falta de atenção e cuidado: o preservativo pode estar furado sem que-se perceba.”_ Roughly: “The price of condoms varies: some are cheaper than others. Many people, to save money, use one condom multiple times, washing it out after each use. This practice can result in an unexpected pregnancy as a result of lack of attention and care: the condom could be punctured without being noticeable.” In other words, the book is telling that in certain regions you may encounter people who do this, and the book is warning that it is not an advisable practice. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/12 "2016-06-12T15:03:32Z")
I find Reynolds Wrap works well in a pinch. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/13 "2016-06-12T23:19:14Z")
> [@JacobSwan](#): > > The U.K. had a series of public information films in the early 90s about AIDS. One of them had an old man talking about his reusable condom that he called Geronimo. It was the best he could get when he was young so people shouldn’t complain about latex ones. Do you think it might be on You Tube? I’d love to see it. 😛 I’ve seen, marketed as a gag bridal shower gift, the “Reusable Condom for Cheap Fuckers”. :o ---
**Author:** ![Wallaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/dc4da7/32.png) [@Wallaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallaby)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/14 "2016-06-13T00:09:43Z")
Old Joke: Elderly Scots soldier walks into a chemist and produces an old, worn, well-used ripped condom. He asks: “How much to repair this?” The chemist peers at it in distaste and explains that condoms are usually a one-use device and repairs are pretty much impossible. Could be done, but impractical. The soldier says ‘Hmmph’ and walks out. Next day, the Soldier returns to the chemist, marches up to the counter and announces: “The Regiment has decided to replace!” ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/15 "2016-06-13T00:53:57Z")
One could get at least two good uses just by turning it inside-out for the second shot. ---
**Author:** ![spamforbrains](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@spamforbrains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spamforbrains)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/16 "2016-06-13T01:12:47Z")
> [@](#): > > One could get at least two good uses just by turning it inside-out for the second shot. I think that might result in a very high rate of unwanted pregnancies… ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/17 "2016-06-13T01:17:24Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > One could get at least two good uses just by turning it inside-out for the second shot. > [@spamforbrains](#): > > I think that might result in a very high rate of unwanted pregnancies… How long would the sperm live? Maybe it would be okay after a period of time and not a threesome situation. ---
**Author:** ![spamforbrains](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@spamforbrains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spamforbrains)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/18 "2016-06-13T01:29:47Z")
> [@](#): > > How long would the sperm live? Maybe it would be okay after a period of time and not a threesome situation. Not sure, but turning it inside out would also defeat the other reason for using a condom, to not pass on STDs. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/19 "2016-06-13T01:33:41Z")
Well, how long would the STDs live? ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172/20 "2016-06-13T03:16:06Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > I find Reynolds Wrap works well in a pinch. I’ve heard of teenagers using potato chip bags. I can’t imagine that being pleasurable for either partner. This was from a very reliable source, too. :eek::eek: [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-medical-personnel-used-to-reuse-needles-but/757172.md?page=2)