Condoms
Everyone should carry a condom if there's any possibility of sex.
Condoms are the ONLY form of contraceptive that protects against sexual infections. Most young people are advised to use the pill and condoms to protect against all possible risks.
You should never feel embarrassed to buy condoms. They come in a wide variety of flavours and shapes: all intendend to enhance YOUR pleasure! However, it's important to be able to use condoms correctly in the heat of the moment. A condom is easy to use - once you get the hang of it. Practice makes perfect, so learn how to use one before you need one for real.
Remember, condoms are not the most effective prevention against pregnancy and should be used with another form of contraceptive to be completely safe. Many young people use the pill AND condoms to protect against pregnancy and sexual infections. Talk to your doctor to find out about the contraceptive that will work best for you.
Although there is no fear of pregnancy, it’s just as important for gay and bisexual men to use condoms, to prevent the risk of HIV and other sexual infections.
Where can you get them?
Condoms are available in pharmacies, vending machines in nightclubs and pubs, some supermarkets, GUM clinics and often in students unions and health centres. Always buy condoms with a quality mark (Kite or CE mark). Health clinics and students unions will often give away free condoms.
Remember that novelty condoms do not offer 100% protection from pregnancy and STIs. If you need a lubricant make sure it’s water based, for example KY Jelly or Sensilube.
When should I use them?
Ideally, you should use a condom every time you have sex. Remember, even the tiniest drops of fluid from the penis during the early stages of an erection can contain sperm (pre cum) and sexually transmitted infections. You should also always use a condom if you're uncertain of your partner's sexual history or if you know your partner has HIV or any other sexually transmitted infection or has shared needles to inject drugs
Will I be able to feel everthing?
You may notice a very slight loss of sensitivity. However, condoms are constantly being updated for enhanced sensitivity and to feel more natural.
Won't using them make sex less spontaneous?
Not necessarily. There's no need for things to come to an abrupt halt. When you use them regularly you should find that putting on a condom simply adds an exciting new twist to your foreplay!
How do I mention condoms to a new partner?
Let's face it, your partner is probably just as concerned about the risk of unplanned pregnancy and STIs as you are, so there's no need to feel awkward about discussing using condoms. In fact, chances are your partner will be secretly relieved that you've taken the initiative, as it shows you're being responsible. Try to pick the right moment though, preferably before you get into a passionate clinch.
Different types of condoms:
There are male condoms and female condoms. The male type is the most commonly used and fits over the hard (erect) penis. If used correctly it prevents liquids passing from one body to the other. However they have to be used with care in case they break and must be used BEFORE the penis comes into contact with the vagina.
Female condoms are inserted into the vagina before sex. They also prevent fluids passing between the two bodies and protect against sexually transmitted infections. Female condoms are stronger than the male type but they can slip and you have to make sure the penis goes inside the condom.
How to use a male condom:
- Always put a condom 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 you cum.
- Make sure the condom fits securely on the hard penis (erection): you can buy condoms in different sizes.
- Don’t let anything sharp (fingernails, jewellery, scissors) damage the condom when you open the package.
- Squeeze out any air in the tip of the condom before putting it on. An air bubble can cause it to tear during sex.
- Check that the rolled condom is on the outside when putting it on the hard penis.
- Unroll the condom down the length of the penis. Leave a little space at the tip for semen.
- Check that the condom is on the right way round. Do this by checking which way it will roll. If you have problems rolling it on, it is probably because it is on inside out so you will have to start over with a new condom.
- After ejaculation (cum) hold the condom firmly at the opening and keep holding onto the condom as you remove it carefully to avoid spilling semen.
- If the condom splits or you forget to use it, act quickly. Ask about emergency contraception.
- If you need a lubricant, make sure it’s water based. Don’t use Vaseline, massage oil, baby oil or moisturiser because they can damage the condom very quickly.
- Only use a condom once.
- Don’t even dream of using that mouldy condom that’s been in your wallet for six months!
- Going abroad on holiday? Get your condoms first as asking in a foreign language can be tricky.
Some content thanks to YouthHealthNE authors.
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