Condoms
Why use them?
Protection
Condoms can help protect against sexually transmitted infections and
HIV. With typical use 15 out of 100 women would become pregnant in a
year using only condoms.
They need to be used correctly and the use of lube with a condom is recommended.
This can prevent slippage of the condom (that may cause seepage or bursting),
they can also make sex more comfortable and prevent bruising and tears/abrasions
that may make infection more likely.
Fun
Condoms come in all shapes , sizes, colours , flavours and scents
. They can be used with sensation enhancing lubrication to enhance
pleasure.
How do I use male condom?
YouTube video of how to put on a condom
You will find instructions on the condom packet or in a leaflet inside the pack. You can also ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
- Use a new condom each time you have sex. Check the 'use by' date on the packet.
- Be careful how you take the condom out of the packet – sharp fingernails and jewellery can tear the condom.
- Find the teat or closed end and squeeze it to get rid of air. This will also help you roll the condom on the right way round.
- Put the condom on when the penis is fully erect and before it touches the vagina or genital area.
- Still holding the end, roll the condom all the way down the penis. If it won't roll down then it's probably on inside out. If so, start again with a new condom as sperm could now be on the first one.
- As soon as the man has ejaculated, and before the penis goes soft, hold the condom firmly in place while pulling out. Do this slowly and carefully so you do not spill any semen.
- Take off the condom, wrap it and put it in a bin. Do not put it down the toilet. Make sure the man's penis does not touch the genital area again, and if you have sex again, use a new condom.
Lubrication – Lube
Water-based Lubes
These are the best choice, giving lasting lubrication without
damaging the condoms. Some organisations provide lubricant
in their condom packs (details of ordering free condoms & Lube
on this website). You can also buy them from chemists, sex
shops and supermarkets. Such as: KY, Liquid silk, Wet, ID,
121, Boots, Astroglide, Probe, Flavoured Lubricant, Play
Lubes to avoid
Spit (saliva) is not a good choice. It's hard to produce lots
of it and it quickly dries, leaving no lubrication at all. Studies
show using spit makes condoms more likely to rip.
Oil-based lubes
A condom can fall apart within seconds of contact with an oil-based
lube. Avoid all these oil-based lubes:
• Hand lotion • Massage oil • Sun cream • Vaseline • Hair gel
• Soap •Shower gel • Cream • Ice cream • Butter • Crisco (cooking fat)•
Any cooking oil • Lubes with cream in their name e.g. ID cream, Elbow
grease • Baby oil
Where do I get condoms and Lube from?
Free condoms can be got from the following places:
- Contraceptive Services, click for opening hours
- Shacc GPs in Leicester (if you live in Leicester ), www.shacc.co.uk
- Trade Sexual Health, www.tradesexualhealth.com
- Faith in People with HIV, www.faithinpeople.org.uk
- LASS, www.lass.org.uk
If you are under 19 there are other places to get free condoms.
Click here to find where.
You can also buy condoms from chemists (pharmacies)
