"Condoms are the heroes of safe sex."
What are male condoms?
Boys and men can use condoms with their female or male partners. They are a tube of flexible material with one end sealed off, a bit like the finger of a rubber glove.
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When should they be used?
They need to be put on well before sexual intercourse, before the penis enters the vagina, mouth or anus. They are put onto the erect penis, and must be carefully removed to stop sperm leaking out.
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Can they be reused?
No, you need to use a new condom each time you have sexual intercourse.
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What are their advantages?
Male condoms help prevent pregnancies and stop infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV/AIDS. However, to gain these advantages, you must use them perfectly!
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"Practice makes perfect"
Get yourself some condoms they are available free from many clinics, including shac, and practise putting them on when you are on your own so that you aren't worrying about being watched. A new packet has instructions in it. It won't take you long to become an expert. You can try out different types, and find the ones that you like and that fit you best.
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What type of condom should I use?
Condoms are made in many colours, shapes, flavours, textures and sizes. This can make them fun to use and experiment with. Condoms come in several shapes although most condoms fit and suit most boys and men. Regular-shaped ones have straight sides. 'Form fit' condoms are indented just below the glans, the head, of the penis. You can also get flared ones, which are wider over the glans. The standard size of condom fits most men. The larger size is a little wider and the smaller one is a little narrower. If you have ever tried to blow a condom up, you will know how much it can stretch in both directions!
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"Find the type of condom that gives you most pleasure and that you can use perfectly."
Take your pick... Most condoms have a reservoir tip, to hold the sperm, although some have a plain tip. Some condoms have ribs or bumps, which can increase pleasure during use. Condoms also come in a variety of colours or even flavours, for oral sex. There are stronger makes designed for anal sex. Some condoms are only designed for 'fun' and are not intended to be used for either contraception or safe sex, check the packet first!
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Where can I get condoms?
You can buy condoms from, pharmacists, chemists, supermarkets, petrol stations and vending machines in male and female toilets.
You can also get them free from healthcare organisations, although this varies from one place to the next, depending on their budgets. The following places offer free condoms:
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Should I use lubricants or spermicide with a male condom?
Make sure any extra lubricant used won't dissolve the condom.
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Lubricants. Most condoms are already lubricated to help get them on and off and make them more comfortable to use. Some people find that using extra lubricant can improve sex and also help prevent the condom tearing. The lubricant that is already on a condom is a type of silicone which is non-allergic. You can buy lubricant in tubes and tubs from chemists and supermarkets - but it is very important to use only water-based lubricants on latex condoms. Never use oil-based lubricants, such as baby oil or Vaseline, with latex condoms because the lubricant will damage the condom and make it useless for preventing pregnancy or infections. Remember too that all 'oily' lotions including massage oil and suncream or lotion can damage rubber. Do make sure you wash them off your hands and genitals before putting on the condom.
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Spermicides. These are designed to kill any leaked sperm. Some condoms already have a spermicide on them but others don't. Some people are allergic to the chemicals in the spermicide and should choose a type without spermicide. You can also add extra spermicide creams and foams to the outside of the condom. If you are allergic to spermicide, or to the latex itself, you might become very sore and develop a rash on or around your penis after using a condom. Because these symptoms are typical of other conditions, you should go to see a doctor at a genitourinary medicine clinic, such as shac at Clinic 1A.
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What are polyurethane condoms?
Most condoms are made of latex, a type of rubber, but there are now some condoms, for example Avanti, that are made of thin polyurethane, a type of plastic. These are useful for people who are allergic to latex. They are thinner than latex condoms and are said to increase sensitivity. They do, however, cost more than latex ones and might tear more easily. These condoms are as effective during straight sex as latex condoms but haven't been tested during anal sex yet. They are not damaged by oil-based lubricants or other creams and lotions.
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How do I know my condom will be safe and effective?
Check its date and look for the quality marks. In the UK, we have two ways to tell if a make of condom has been properly tested and shown to be of high quality, the BSI Kitemark and the European CE mark. Before you use a condom, you should also check the expiry date on the condom package. If it is past its date throw it away. Out-of-date condoms will not protect you from either pregnancy or infections. In some countries you can get condoms made of animal material. As a general rule, it is best to use only those condoms that have passed stringent tests.
"Accidents happen but there are things that can help to prevent them."
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What do I do if my condom has split, or torn?
It is a good idea to check the condom after sex to see if it is still intact. If you find a condom has split sperm might have leaked out and the girl or woman might get pregnant. If the condom is the only form of contraception you have used she should, as soon as possible, seek emergency contraception and advice from a family planning clinic, from her general practitioner (GP), or from a genitourinary clinic such as shac or Clinic 1A. The split might have allowed an infection to happen too. You should both go to a clinic to be 'checked out'.
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What to remember.
More useful information at: www.avert.org/usecond.htm |
