People say “no glove, no love” for a reason! Trusted for generations, condoms are the simplest, easiest and most widely available way to protect yourself against HIV and STIs. Read on to find out how you can make them your best friend when fucking.
HOW TO USE CONDOMS
Don’t rub them the wrong way. See our step-by-step guide to get the most protection out of your condoms.
- Check the expiry date before using – if it’s expired, throw it away and use a new one.
- Tear the wrapper at the serrated edge. Don’t use your teeth as it may tear the condom.
- Make sure that the condom is the right way up before you put it on. The rolled rim must be on the outside.
- Let’s roll! Pinch the tip of the condom and squeeze down towards the shaft while unrolling to get rid of any air inside.
- Lube yourself and your partner up and you’re ready to go!
- After cumming, carefully take the condom off carefully. Without spilling its contents, tie the open end up and dispose of it in a rubbish bin.
- Do not wash or reuse condoms, especially with different partners!
The Perfect Condom
It’s a wild world out there in the condom section… before you go pumpin’ about, see what kinds of condoms suit you and your partner best.
- Size. Make sure the condom fits your cock snugly. Most men are alright with standard size, but try other sizes if the condom feels too loose or too tight – no need to be shy!
- Thickness. Thicker condoms reduce sensation slightly, but give extra protection and help you last longer.
- Texture. Ribbed and dotted for everyone’s pleasure! Textured condoms increase sensation and excitement where it matters.
- Material. Most condoms are made out of latex. If they make you itchy, you might be allergic to latex – try polyurethane (synthetic plastic) ones instead.
- Taste. Add more delight and protection to oral sex with flavoured condoms. Most flavoured condoms are safe for anal sex, but the flavouring chemicals may cause discomfort for some.
LUBE
Where there are condoms, there’s lube… and for good reason! The anus does not produce its own lubrication, so some lube goes a long way to avoid friction – figuratively and literally – when having anal sex.
- Water-based lubes come in many brands and in a bewildering variety. They’re easy to clean up, are gentle to the skin, and work great with all kinds of condoms. Just remember to top up when things start to feel dry.
- Silicone-based lubes stay slippery for longer and do not easily dry up or wash away with water, reducing the need to reapply frequently.
While oil-based lubes provide great sensation, they must never be used with latex condoms, as it may cause them to break. The same goes to other oil-based substances, such as baby oil, lotion, and petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
WHERE TO FIND
Condoms are available everywhere, so there’s no excuse not to keep some with you! Any pharmacy, convenience store or supermarket will stock them. Some community health centres also offer them for free. Use our Clinic Finder to locate one near you.
TIPS
- Put a few drops of lube on the inside of the tip before putting it on for extra sensation.
- If you find that your erection doesn’t last as long with a condom on, wear a cock ring.
- Make putting on a condom part of foreplay – learn to put one on with your mouth, do it blindfolded, or get your partner to put it on for you.
- If you accidentally put a condom on the wrong way, throw it away and use a new one as some precum may have touched the outer layer.
- Keep unused condoms away from heat and friction, as this may degrade the latex. Don’t keep them in your wallet for too long!
General FAQ
If you’ve had a condom burst during sex, it’s very important to get tested for HIV as soon as you can. If you think you might have been exposed to HIV, talk to your doctor about PEP – do it quick, because PEP should be taken within 72 hours after exposure to be effective! Use the Clinic Finder to find one near you.
If you’re allergic to latex, don’t worry. You can use polyurethane (synthetic plastic) condoms, which are just as effective in providing protection.
Double-bagging may give you a sense of extra protection, but it’s all just an illusion. The friction caused by the condoms rubbing against each other when thrusting can actually weaken both of them!
One condom is enough – if you feel you need more protection, use “extra safe” condoms, which are thicker than normal ones.
We understand that wearing a condom can be a little strange for some people – the reduced sensation or discomfort may be a little uncomfortable and cause you to lose your erection.
Try wearing a cock ring, or using different types of condoms to find out what works for you – textured or thinner condoms increase sensitivity and sensation. If you like a challenge, try masturbating with a condom on to familiarise yourself.
If you find that you can’t use condoms at all, speak to a doctor about going on PrEP. Find a clinic near you using our Clinic Finder.
The root is physics – when two surfaces rub against each other, friction is generated.
That’s why thrusting with an unlubricated cock or ass can be uncomfortable, and even cause injury! Not to mention, too, that friction can cause condoms to weaken and wear out.
For the sake of comfort and safety, put some lube on. If you don’t like things to be too slippery, try using a textured condom.