Are you aware of how to wear a male condom? This video shows how to wear a male condom in correct way. Also some tips and tricks.
How to wear a male condom
Now let’s learn some quick facts about condoms.
Condom before contact
Always put on the condom before there’s any contact between the penis and the vagina, mouth or anus.
Open the packet carefully so you don’t damage the condom.
New sex, new condom
Use a new condom every time you have sex.
The 30-minute condom rule
If you’re having a long sex session, change condoms after 30 minutes.
Friction can weaken the condom, making it more likely to break or fail.
1 condom at a time
Never use 2 condoms together, whether that’s 2 male condoms or a female and a male condom.
They’ll rub against each other, and this friction can weaken them and make them more likely to break or fail.
Keep condoms cool
Heat can damage condoms, so store them somewhere cool and dry.
Condoms don’t last forever
Check the expiry date on the packaging, as condoms don’t last forever and may be past the point at which they work.
Safer sex on holiday
Buy condoms before going on holiday to avoid problems with language and trying to find somewhere to buy them.
Don’t use lotion or oils with condoms
Don’t use body lotions, moisturiser, massage oil, body oil, lipstick or any other oil-based product (such as petroleum jelly, or Vaseline) with latex, polyisoprene or lambskin condoms.
This is because they can weaken the condom, making it less effective.
Use plenty of water-based lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly (available from pharmacies), especially for anal sex.
Oral sex and condoms
Using a condom (apart from lambskin condoms) during oral sex can help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis, and those that affect the mouth or throat, such as herpes, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
You could try using flavoured condoms for variety.
Don’t put condoms down the toilet
Wrap used condoms in a tissue or piece of paper and put them in a dustbin.
Don’t flush used condoms down the toilet.
Buying condoms online
If you buy condoms online, don’t buy from auction sites such as eBay.
Make sure any condoms you buy have the BSI kite mark or CE mark and haven’t gone past the use-by date on the packaging.
If you don’t want to get pregnant
To protect against unintended pregnancy, use another form of contraceptive as well, such as long-acting methods (the implant, injection, IUS or IUD) or the contraceptive pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring.
There are lots of myths about male condoms. Make sure you know the facts before you use one.
Myth: You have to be 18 to buy condoms.
Truth: Condoms are available at any age and free of charge from contraception clinics, sexual health (GUM) clinics and young people’s clinics. These services also provide confidential advice.
You can also buy condoms from pharmacies and other shops whatever age you are.
Myth: It’s safer if you use 2 condoms.
Truth: Using 2 condoms is not better than 1 as they are more likely to break. It’s best to only use 1 condom at a time and put it on correctly.
Myth: Condoms break easily.
Truth: No they do not. You just need to put it on carefully. Make sure there’s no air bubble at the end by squeezing the top as you roll it down. Be careful of sharp nails, jewellery or teeth.
If the condom does not roll down all the way, it’s probably inside out.
Never try to turn a condom the other way round as there could already be sperm on the tip (it’s sometimes released before ejaculation). Throw it away and use a new condom.
If a condom breaks and you’re not using any other contraception, go to a sexual health clinic, pharmacist or GP as soon as possible and ask about emergency contraception.
You may also need to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This applies if you are having sex with a woman or a man.
Myth: Condoms are the only type of contraception I need to think about.
Truth: No they’re not. Condoms can provide protection from STIs and unplanned pregnancy. But if you want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, it’s better if you and your partner use a condom along with another type of contraception.
There are lots of different types of contraception, including the implant, injection, coil or the pill. It’s worth exploring all your options.
Myth: You need extra lube. Vaseline is good.
Truth: No it’s not. A bit of extra lubrication is good, but you should not use anything with oil in it as it can dissolve the condom. That includes baby oil, Vaseline and hand cream. Lipstick has oil in it too.
Use a water-based lubricant. A pharmacist can give you advice on which lube to use with condoms. You can buy lube from a pharmacy or supermarket.
Myth: Condoms cut off my circulation.
Truth: No they do not. A condom should be a comfortable fit. If it’s too tight it might split and if it’s too loose it might leak.
There are lots of different shapes and sizes. If a condom is too small or big for you, try a different size or brand.
Myth: My girlfriend is on the pill, so we do not need condoms.
Truth: Yes you do. The pill does not protect you or your partner from STIs. Also, if your partner forgets to take a pill, does not take it correctly or is ill, the effectiveness of the pill is lower and she could still get pregnant.
Read more about being on the pill and having sickness or have diarrhoea.
Myth: If I ask to use a condom, my partner will think less of me.
Truth: Insisting that you use a condom suggests that you know how to take care of yourself and your partner.
Myth: You do not need a condom if you’re having oral sex.
Truth: Yes you do. You should use a condom for oral sex because infections such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes can be passed on though oral sex. So it’s important to use a condom.
Myth: I do not need a condom – I only sleep with nice people.
Truth: STIs do not know or care if you’re nice or not. The way someone looks and how they act with you cannot tell you whether or not they have an STI. Lots of STIs do not have any symptoms, so you could infect each other without even knowing it.
See more about symptoms of STIs that need checking.
Myth: If it’s a condom, it’s safe.
Truth: Not necessarily – some condoms are not always safe, like novelty ones and ones bought from online auction sites.
Always buy condoms from a reputable source. Choose ones that have the European CE or BSI kite mark. Also check that:
- they are within their use-by date
- the seal is not broken
- they are not damaged
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