What is a condom?
A condom is a thin piece of rubbery material that fits over a man’s penis during sex. When used correctly, condoms prevent HIV, as well as pregnancy and most STIs.
The most popular and common type of condom is made from a thin latex (rubber).
The most popular and common type of condom is made from a thin latex (rubber).
How do condoms work?
Sexual fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids and blood can pass on HIV and STIs. A condom forms a barrier between these fluids and entry points into the body, such as a person’s:
- vagina
- anus
- penis (urethra)
- mouth (especially if there are large open sores or bleeding gums)
Although a few STIs can also be passed on through skin-to-skin contact (for example genital warts), condoms still cut the risk of many of these infections.
When should I use a condom?
You can use a condom to protect yourself and your partner from HIV and STIs:
- during vaginal, anal and oral sex
- every time you have sex
- when sharing sex toys (put a new condom on for each partner)
Putting a condom on before any contact between the penis and a partner’s genital area or mouth minimises risks to both of you.
How to put on a condom
You’ll find instructions on the condom packet, but here are a few simple steps:
- Check the date on the condom hasn’t passed. An out of date condom is more likely to break.
- Check the packet is in good condition and has a certification mark (FDA, CE, ISO or Kitemark). This means it’s been tested and complies with safety standards.
- Open the packet carefully so you don’t rip or damage the condom. There's usually an arrow on the packet to guide you in the direction you should open it. Avoid using your teeth or scissors and be careful with sharp fingernails or jewellery.
- The penis needs to be erect before the condom is put on. Always put the condom on before the penis touches a woman or man’s genitals or mouth.
- Condoms come rolled up. Place one on top of the erect penis and pinch the teat at the end of the condom before you start to roll it down the penis. By doing this you’ll squeeze out any air bubbles and ensure there is room for the semen (cum).
- Roll the condom down to the base of the penis. If it's on correctly it will roll downwards easily. If you've started putting it on the wrong way or you’re not sure then take it off and try again. Even if the man hasn’t ejaculated (cum) there can still be semen on his penis (pre-cum), so it’s important to try again with a new condom.
How to remove a condom
- Only take the condom off when the penis has been withdrawn completely but while the penis is still erect. Most men lose their erection very soon after they cum so don’t wait around too long to pull out the penis from the vagina or anus, as this risks semen spilling out, or the condom slipping off.
- Always use a new condom if you have sex again, or if you’re going from anal to vaginal or oral sex. This is important because several different infections can be passed on from the anus to the vagina or mouth.
Top tips for using a condom
Make it part of the fun
Make putting on a condom a fun part of foreplay – keep touching and kissing as you put it on – you can also get your partner to put it on for you.Don’t double up
Using two condoms at once, or a female and a male condom at the same time, doesn’t give you double protection – in fact it can cause friction and makes it more likely to split or slip off. One is enough!Practice makes perfect
It’s a great idea to practice putting on a condom a few times before you’re actually in a situation where you’re about to have sex. This can help you to feel more at ease when the time comes and get you used to the feel of the condom.Love your lube
We love lubricant because:- it makes using condoms feel more comfortable and increases pleasure during sex
- it reduces the risk of the condom breaking, especially during anal sex
Try putting lubricant on the outside of the condom or inside and around the vagina or anus. But don’t put it on the inside of the condom or on your bare penis, as this will make the condom slip off. And remember to only use a water-based lubricant designed for sex. Oil-based lubricants (such as vaseline, massage oils or hand cream) may weaken or break latex condoms.Size matters
Condom sizes vary. You can try out different sizes of condoms to find the one that’s best for you or your partner. A well-fitting condom should roll all the way down to the base of the penis and feel comfortable rather than really tight. On the other hand it shouldn’t feel too roomy and in danger of slipping off during sex. Keep in mind that, just like when you buy clothes, you might need a different size in different brands of condoms.
But don’t worry, condoms are super stretchy, so you’ll find one to fit – it’s a myth that a penis can be too big for condoms. However, if you can’t find a male condom which feels comfortable during sex then you could try a female condom for either vaginal or anal sex.Try different textures and flavours
The good news is that there are a huge variety of condoms available. You have a choice of textures (ribs or bumps can increase sensation for both partners), thickness, flavours (which can make oral sex more fun) and colours – so try different options and find out which ones turn you and your partner on.If you’re sensitive to latex you can also use latex-free condoms made of polyurethane or polyisoprene instead. Female condoms are also latex-free, so you could try those instead.What should I do if a condom breaks?
It’s very rare for a condom to break if it has been put on and used correctly. But if a condom does split, break or slip off there are a few simple things you can do:- withdraw the penis immediately
- remove as much semen (cum) as you can
- avoid washing inside your vagina or anus (douching) as this can spread infection further or cause irritation
- access emergency contraception if you’re not using any other contraceptive.
Most sexual health professionals will advise you to have a sexual health test around 10 days after unprotected sex or if a condom breaks (or earlier if you’re worried about any symptoms) and then again around three months later. This is because different STIs will become detectable at different times after infection.What should I do if a condom breaks and my partner is HIV-positive?
Your HIV positive partner will be able to tell you if they are on regular treatment and have been virally suppressed for at least the last six months. If this is the case, the risk of HIV transmission if a condom breaks is extremely unlikely. You may however both still decide to get tested for other STIs.If a condom breaks and your HIV positive partner is not on regular treatment or is unsure of how well they are doing, you’ll need to visit a sexual health professional as soon as you can. You may be offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)treatment. This is a month-long treatment of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) that reduce your chances of becoming HIV-positive.PEP has a high success rate; however, it’s not a replacement for condoms. PEP is a powerful drug that has side effects and it's not an option available to everyone.If you’re in a relationship with someone who is living with HIV, using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could be another option to protect you from the risk of HIV transmission. However it won’t protect you from other STIs and unplanned pregnancy.How can I talk about condoms with my partner?
Some people feel embarrassed bringing up the subject of using condoms, especially in the early stages of a relationship. But protecting yourself and your partner should be a priority for both of you. If your partner refuses to use a condom don’t feel pressured into having unprotected sex – remember you always have the right to decide whether you want to have sex or not.Talking about condoms with your partner isn’t about you saying that you don’t trust them – it’s as much for them as it is for you. Knowing you are safe should help you both feel more at ease and mean you can get on with just enjoying sex.
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