Practising Safer Sex and
how to use a condom

Having sex should be fun and enjoyable. Using condoms during sex will help you feel more confident and relaxed about sex as condoms protect you and your partner from sexually transmitted infections.

Condoms are also good as a contraceptive method

Condoms are rigorously tested and you should check they have the British Standard Kitemark and/or the CE mark. Condoms should also be used before their expiry date, this should be easy to find on the box and the condom foil.

Follow the instructions to put the condom on, check during sex that the condom is in place, and hold the base of the condom upon withdrawal. Dispose of the condom into the rubbish, do not try and flush it down the toilet.

What if the condom breaks or falls off?

Condoms are not 100% safe and may occasionally split or fall off. This tends to happen more if the condom is not put on correctly to start with. To prevent unplanned pregnancy, it is better for women to use another form of contraception such as the pill, as well as condoms.

Condoms are the only contraception that protects against STIs

If you have sex without any contraception, then you may be at risk of a pregnancy (as well as a sexually transmitted infection). Emergency contraception is available, and there are two main types, Pills or Intrauterine Devices (IUD), also called the Coil.

Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC), (still called the ‘morning after pill’ by some people), can be taken up to 72 hours after having sex, and now there is a new pill that can be taken after 72 hours. Many Pharmacies (not all) provide EHC, alongside your own doctor and sexual health services.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD) involve an examination, but they are very effective, if fitted within 5 days after sexual intercourse. Speak to your own doctor or any of the sexual health services about this method.

It is ALWAYS worth speaking to a nurse, pharmacist or doctor if you have had unprotected (no contraception) sex, even if you think it’s too late for help.

What are the best male condoms?

Use condoms that carry either the European CE mark, or the BSI Kitemark - this means that they have had thorough quality checks, and give greater protection against pregnancy and infection.

Fun condoms, such as those with tickly bits, lights, or which 'say' things or play music when you put them on, are least likely to be effective in preventing pregnancy or infection.

How do you put on a condom?

Most packs of reliable male condoms come with step-by-step instructions, which you should follow carefully. Try not to get so carried away with passion that you rush things. Use this guide to help you.

• Take the fresh condom out of the packet carefully. Avoid 'catching' it on your nails.
• Do not blow it up.
• There's usually a 'teat' at the end. Squeeze the air out of it.
• Now roll the condom onto the erect penis. (Don't try putting it on before you're hard.)
• Roll it all the way down to the base of your penis.
• Some men lose their erection - through nerves - while rolling the condom on. If this sometimes happens to you, then get your partner to put it on for you - rubbing you at the same time.
• If the vagina is dry or more lubricant is needed, you need to use water-based lubricant such as KY jelly. Sachets, tubes or bottles of lubricant are available from where you get condoms from. Never use oily lubricants such as baby oil or Vaseline as the condom will break easily.
• !!!! If you are having anal sex, plenty of water-based lubricant should be used to prevent the condom breaking
• As soon as you've climaxed, hold the condom firmly onto your penis with your fingers, and withdraw from the vagina. Take care not to spill any fluid.
• Now, take off the condom, wrap it in paper or tissue, and dispose of it in a bin. Do not flush the condom down the toilet.
• If you're going to have sex again that day, wash your penis and put on a new condom.
• Never try to 're-use' a condom.

Useful condom tips

If you are not used to using condoms, why not practice by yourself or with your partner a few times before having intercourse. Wanking or masturbating whilst wearing a condom helps you get used to the feel of the condom and gives you practice putting them on and taking them off.

Make putting the condom on part of your foreplay rather than stopping everything to put the condom on.

Always make sure that you have condoms to hand, or if you are going out, take some with you.

For added protection from unplanned pregnancy, use another form of contraception, such as the pill, or an implant (see contraception)

Where to get condoms

Condoms are very easily available in supermarkets, chemists, vending machines in pubs and clubs, and public toilets.

However, you do not need to buy condoms as you can get them free from loads of places. Your doctor may provide condoms free, the local family planning clinic, young people's centres, youth groups, GUM clinics (where you can get screened for all sexually transmitted infections) and your local Chlamydia Screening team will give you free condoms. Lubricant may also be free at these places.