HIV
Safer use of condoms
Condoms come in all sorts of shapes and sizes! Why not experiment and find the right one for you?
Always choose a suitable condom for the sexual activity e.g. flavoured condoms for oral sex. (do not use the same condom for penetrative sex as damage to the condom may have occurred)
Any CE marked or British kite marked condom can be used for penetrative sex (anal or vaginal). Always use a water-based lubricant.
Do not store condoms in warm places, check the expiry date on the packet, and check for either the CE mark, or the British Kite mark. Be careful when opening the packet!
Always ensure the condom is put on the right way round. If you find it’s not, discard it and use another
Never re-use a condom. Always use a fresh one.
Put the condom on before the penis touches the genital area
After climax, hold the rim of the condom while withdrawing
Remove the condom away from the partner’s genital area
Ensure the condom remains on until the penis has been withdrawn but take the condom off before the penis goes completely soft.
Then tie in a knot to prevent leakage and place in a bin (do not flush down the toilet!)
Water-based lubrication
Water-based lubrication can make condom and femidom use more effective and much more pleasurable.
Condoms and femidoms are already lubricated. They have to be for us to get them on and off. But they actually work and feel better when extra lubrication (such as KY jelly) is used. Water-based lubrication increases sensitivity when carefully put on the outside of the condom or around the vagina and anus.
Lubricants also help prevent the condom splitting. But it must be water-based. Any alternative methods of lubrication that are oil-based will rot the condom very quickly and render it useless. Lubricants to avoid include massage oil, vegetable oil, vaseline, spit, lipstick, sun tan lotion etc!