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Condoms
Why are condoms important?
Condoms help protect against a range of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Genital Warts, Herpes and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). When used for anal sex condoms can prevent blood or semen passing from one man's body to another. When used for vaginal sex, condoms prevent pregnancy by stopping the man's semen from entering the woman's body. Condoms are the ONLY form of contraception to offer PROTECTION against BOTH STIs and unplanned pregnancy.
Condom facts
- Condoms are the most popular method of contraception in the UK.
- Condoms come in different shapes and sizes.
- Condoms should have the British Kitemark or the CE mark. This means they have been British standard tested.
- Condoms are marked with a 'best before date'. When this date has passed, the condom should be thrown away.
- Used correctly and consistently, condoms are up to 98% effective.
- Condoms are very strong but fingernails, zips, teeth and jewellery including rings and piercings, can damage them.
- Condoms should never be used more than once!
- Extra strong condoms are recommended to be used for anal sex.
- If people have anal sex and then vaginal sex or vice versa, it should be advised that they change the condom in between sexual practices.
- Condoms may also be used for oral sex; because STIs can be transmitted this way too.
- Flavoured condoms are recommended for oral sex, although they can be used for vaginal sex as long as they have a kitemark or CE mark. Some people find flavoured condoms cause them irritation - this is because of the flavouring ingredients used in them. In this case - it may be advisable to stop using them and to seek medical advice if necessary.
- Most condoms have a slippery coating (lubricant) to help make sex comfortable and feel natural.
- Sometimes people may want to use extra lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly, Maximus or Liquid Silk. These are available from chemists and various sexual health agencies. Remember: slippery sex = safer sex!! This is because there is less friction and the condom is less likely to break.
- It is especially important to use extra lubricant for anal sex because the anus is not self lubricating like the vagina.
- It is important to always use water-based lubricant - as anything oil based can damage condoms, for example; baby oil, moisturiser and massage oils should not be used.
- Some condoms are coated with a spermicide to assist contraception. However, spermicide can cause irritation and therefore increases the chance of passing on any infections.
- Condoms provided in local agencies and clinics do not have spermicide; but it might be worth checking other condom packs.
- 'Novelty' condoms, with weird character heads are just a gimmick for a joke. Not for use in sex!!
- Condoms are easy to use if the instructions are followed correctly- if they are put on incorrectly this makes them more likely to break or come off. It is important to talk openly about how to use condoms and to do condom demonstrations with young people, so get a cucumber or banana and get demonstrating!
How to use a condom…
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1. Open the condom pack carefully down one side making sure the condom you choose has the BSI Kite mark and/or the CE mark and that the condom is in date. |
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2. Make sure you've got the condom the right way round. You can tell by squeezing the air out of the top and unrolling it slightly bfore placing it on the erect penis. |
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3. Still squeezing the air out of the tip, roll the condom all the way to the base of the penis. Watch ouyt for fingernails! |
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4. During sex, regularly check the condom is still on and hasn't broken. If it gets dry add some water-based lubricant |
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5. After ejaculation, withdraw fully, holding onto the condom to ensure semen isn't split. Dispose of the condom hygienically; eg in a tissue and then in a bin (do not flush down the toilet). |
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6. Gel-charging can enhance sensitibitu for the man whilst using a condom. This where a samll pea size amount of lubricant is put into the end of the condom, before the condom is put on. It is important it is only a tiny amount, as the condom could slip off it too much is used. |
If a condom breaks:
If the condom breaks or comes off during sex, a new one should be put on before continuing. If you have a concern about catching STI's then a sexual health check up would be advisable.
If you think you have been put at risk of HIV you can visit your local GUM clinic for PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis). This means you can get
If the condom breaks and there is concern about an unwanted pregnancy, emergency contraception is an option. This can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, however the sooner it is taken the more effective it will be in preventing a pregnancy. Again this would be available at your local GUM clinic.
If there is also concern about STIs, a sexual health check up would be advisable.
Latex Allergies
Most condoms are made out of latex (rubber), and some people find that they are allergic to this. The alternative to using a latex condom is to use one made out of polyurethane (plastic), such as Durex 'Avanti'. The female condom or Femidom is another option, as this too, is made out of plastic.
The Female Condom (Femidom)
The Female Condom (Femidom) is inserted into the vagina by the woman before sex takes place.
Where are condoms available ?
Condoms are on sale in chemists, shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, vending machines in toilets and from the internet.
They can also be obtained from many young people's advice centres; (like YPC and YAC in Brighton and Hove), Family Planning Clinics (Morley Street Family Planning Clinic in Brighton), GUM Clinics (Claude Nicol Clinic in Brighton) and also most GPs (Doctors).
Condoms are also available at many gay pubs and clubs and other venues.
Carrying and storing Condoms
- Be prepared and carry condoms wherever you go
- Condoms can be carried around easily and discreetly in pockets, bags, wallets and purses. It is a good idea to keep them handy.
- carrying condoms shows a willingness to practice safer sex and RESPECT for a partner's health.
- Condoms should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. Condoms do not like heat/sunlight, as these may damage them. If they are kept in back pockets or wallets they need to be checked and changed regularly to ensure they do not get too warm and start to disintegrate.
How to discuss condoms...
- Check out what your partner thinks about using condoms before you actually come to have sex.
- Be prepared! Don't always rely on your partner to have condoms. Carry your own condoms and keep a supply handy.
- Be confident: Take the lead and explain why it is important to you that you or your partner wears a condom.
- Be confident using condoms! Practice putting one on when you are on your own (or girls on a cucumber or banana!!), practice makes perfect!
- Be assertive: You know what's best for your body so say exactly how you feel. If your partner won't use a condom then say you won't have sex without one. No condom = No sex!! and remember you can still have plenty of fun without having sex (kissing, touching, masturbating) as long as no genital fluids exchange, then it's safe!
- Be safe: A condom should always be put on well before you start to have sex or touch your partner's genitals. You might not notice but some semen comes out of the penis before he 'comes' or ejaculates. If this semen or 'pre-come', has contact with the vaginal or anal area - it can be enough to get someone pregnant or transmit an STI.
- Be practical: Don't leave talking about condoms until the last minute!! Talk about using them before you get carried away.
- Be honest: Say if you find the subject awkward or embarrassing - you are not the only one!! It will help to be honest about it and it might help you and your partner feel more relaxed.
- Be fun: Putting a condom on can be fun, erotic and sexy! Condoms don't have to get in the way of the passion: make them part of the intimacy and fun of foreplay! Try coloured, flavoured and ribbed condoms - they could provide extra fun (just make sure they have a kitemark or CE mark on them).
- Be pleasurable: To make using a condom more pleasurable and sensitive for the male partner, you could try 'gel charging', this is where a tiny (the size of a pea) amount of lubricant is put on the inside end of the condom before it is put on. Be careful not to put too much lubricant in, as it might make the condom slip off.
- Be yourself: Relax and do what YOU feel is right. Don't have sex unless you feel you are ready and that you want to do it.
Dental Dams
Like Condoms dental dams provide a latex barrier between you and direct contact with another person's bodily fluids. For example if you are a woman having oral sex with another women, a dental dam will stop you from getting vaginal fluids in your mouth, and vaginal fluids can carry some STI's.
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