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CONDOMS

If used correctly everytime you have sex, condoms are your best protection against HIV and also greatly reduce your risk of getting or passing on an STI. 

Guidelines for using condoms:

  • Check the expiry date (don't use condoms that have expired) 
  • Check for a batch number. This means they meet Australian standards.
  • Before use, check the condom has not discoloured or become brittle.
  • Find the right size. A condom that's too small can break and be very uncomfortable. A condom that's too big can fall off.
  • Store condoms in a cool dark place. Condoms should not be kept for any length of time in a wallet, purse or handbag.
  • Never re-use condoms.
  • If inexperienced at using condoms, try practicing with them on your own.
  • Always have a back-up- have more than one condom available.

How to use a condom correctly:

  1. Open the packet carefully so that you don't tear the condom.

  2. Don't unroll the condom before putting it on the penis.
  3. Put the condom on when the penis is hard (erect).
  4. Don't start having sex before putting it on.
  5. Squeeze the tip of the condom and hold it against the tip of the penis. Squeezing removes any air left in the condom. Air in the condom can cause it to break.
  6. Use lubricant on the outside of the condom.
  7. Unroll the condom as far down as it will go.
  8. The penis should be withdrawn soon after ejaculating (cumming) and while it is still hard. Hold on to the condom at the base of the penis so it doesn't come off and spill semen.
  9. After removing the condom, wipe any semen from the penis.
  10. Get rid of the condom by wrapping it in paper and putting it in a bin. Never flush a condom down the toilet.

 

Lube

  • Lubricant reduces the risk of condom's breaking and can also make sex more enjoyable. ONLY use water based lubricant. Do not use oil based products such as baby oil, vaseline or massage oils as they weaken condoms and lead them to break.
  • Do not use saliva as lube - it can dry out quickly, as well as cause condoms to break down.
  • Dry intercourse (no lube) is a common way for a condom to break, making it riskier. The more lube the better.
  • Using plenty of lube- "the wetter, the better". If you need to, re-apply lube several times during intercourse.

But what if the condom breaks?

  • Stay calm, and withdraw the penis immediately.
  • Wash the genitals with water (not soap or detergent) and pass urine. Don't douche or spray water into the vagina or anus - this can increase the risk of STI.
  • If semen is present be careful not to allow contact with your partner's genitals, mouth or anus.
  • Wash your hands after removing a condom.
  • Consider arranging a sexual health checkup and find out about PEP

 (Some information sourced from Teen Health: Using Condoms) 

Free safe packs (containing condoms and lube) are available from the CAN Resource Centre. You can just duck in and grab some - You don't even need to talk to anyone!