Condom Tips

Who is Responsible for Their Sexual Health?

Some people think it's the man's job to make sure he uses a condom, some people think contraception is up to the woman. They're both wrong - it takes two to have sex, so both partners should make an effort.

If you're not responsible enough to sort out contraception, you're not responsible enough to be having sex. If you're sleeping with someone, you should have enough respect for them to protect them.

Why Should I Use a Condom?

Use a condom to protect yourself! Other than abstinence, the use of latex condoms is the best protection against the AIDS virus and other STDs, including gonorrhea, HPV, genital herpes, chlamydia, syphilis and hepatitis-B. When used consistently and properly, condoms also provide the most effective method of birth control available without a prescription.

How To Put On a Condom Correctly?

You should put the condom on before there's any contact between the penis and your partner's body. Fluids released from the penis even very early on in sex can cause pregnancy or transmit an STI.

Don't do it with your teeth to open the condom wrapper! This can cause tiny rips in the condom which you might not notice. Unroll the condom a little over the top of the penis - make sure that the roll is on the outside - if it's backwards then the condom won't unroll. If there's any air trapped in the condom, this can cause it to break, so make sure you pinch the end to squeeze any air out.

Then just firmly roll the condom down as far as you can. If you want to use any lube, put it on the outside of the condom and make sure it's water-based lubricant. Oil based lubricants can weaken the condom and make it break.

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Do I Need to Put on a Condom for Oral Sex?

Yes. Some sexually transmitted diseases and infections (such as herpes) can be passed on by oral sex. When you use a condom for oral sex, you should change condoms before having vaginal or anal sex, because teeth may have made little holes in it.

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Condom Tips

Because if you want to have sex with someone, they're important! Sex can be great, but there are risks involved. Aside from all the emotional issues, you can catch sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and a woman can become pregnant. So if you don’t want to deal with these really tough situations, a condom is vital!

How About Anal Sex?

Again, yes. Anal sex carries a high risk of HIV and STI transmission, because the lining of the anus is very delicate and easily damaged. Anal sex won't necessarily stop a woman getting pregnant either, as semen can escape from the anus and enter the vagina after sex.

Anal sex can put more strain on a condom, so you can buy stronger ones if you wish, although standard ones should be just as effective if used correctly with plenty of lubricant. As mentioned above, it's better if the lubricant doesn't contain nonoxynol 9, as this can increase the risk of HIV transmission by irritating the lining of the anus.

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When Do We Stop?

After he has ejaculated, a man using a condom needs to stop and take the condom off. If you carry on having sex, it can burst. If you want to carry on, that's fine, just put a new condom on again, and away you go. Never re-use a condom.

When the man pulls his penis out, he should hold the base of the condom to make sure that comes out, too. And when taking a condom off, don't just pull on the end. Roll it back from the base and throw it away safely - do not flush it down the toilet. You might also want to tie a knot in the end to stop it leaking. Wrap with tissue and dispose in the trash.

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How Effective are Condoms?

If they are used correctly. condoms are about 95-97% effective at preventing pregnancy and they are nearly 100% effective at preventing transmission of HIV. Some people say that certain viruses can pass through latex - that's not true.

They won't help againts carbs, though, and some sexually transmitted infections (like herpes) can be caught through oral sex with someone who is infected, so you need to use condoms for this too.

Is It Safer To Wear Two Condoms?

No! We only put on one at a time. The friction of the condoms rubbing together would probably make them both break and it wouldn't be very comfortable for the person wearing them too. You also shouldn't use the male and female condoms together at the same time.

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Is It Safe To Store Them In My Wallet?

Condoms can deteriorate if not stored properly as they are affected by both heat and light. So it's best not to use a condom that has been stored in your back pocket, your wallet, or the glove compartment of your car. If a condom feels sticky or very dry you shouldn't use it as the packaging has probably been damaged.

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How To Put On

A Condom ?

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Confidence Tips!

Here are also some tips that can help you to feel more confident and relaxed about using condoms

Keep condoms handy at all times. If things start getting steamy - you'll be ready. It's not a good idea to find yourself having to rush out at the crucial moment to buy condoms - at the height of the passion you may not want to.
When you buy condoms, don't get embarrassed. If anything, be proud. It shows that you are responsible and confident and when the time comes it will all be worthwhile. It can be more fun to go shopping for condoms with your partner or friend. Nowadays, it is also easy to buy condoms discreetly on the internet.
Talk with your partner about using a condom before having sex. It removes anxiety and embarrassment. Knowing where you both stand before the passion starts will make you a lot more confident that you both agree and are happy about using a condom.
If you are new to condoms, the best way to learn how to use them is to practice putting them on by yourself or your partner. It does not take long to become a master.
If you feel that condoms interrupt your passion then try introducing condoms into your lovemaking. It can be really sexy if your partner helps you put it on or you do it together.