Condoms

Using condoms reduces your risk of contracting HIV and other STIs (sexually transmissible infections) like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, warts and herpes.

Always put a condom on before the penis comes in contact with the partner's genital area.

• Always check the expiry date on the condom foil before use.
• Never use a condom more than once.
• Store condoms in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.
• Learn how to put on and take off a condom before using one for the first time.
• Use only water based lubricants with condoms.
• Talk about condoms with your partner before you have sex.
• Always use condoms, even if your partner is using other forms of contraception.
• Have fun with condoms and make them part of sex play.

1. Gently open the packet and take out the condom (be careful not to tear it with your teeth, fingernails or rings). Check that the condom is the right way up by unrolling it slightly (it will only unroll one way).
2. Squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom with your thumb and forefinger (to make room for the semen) and unroll it all the way down the erect penis.
3. Use a water-based lubricant on the outside of the condom or around the partner's genital area- oil based-lubricants like Vaseline and baby oil can weaken the condom and increase the risk of breakage.
4. Occasionally check that the condom is still on during sex. If it rolls down roll it back into place immediately. If it comes off, withdraw the penis and put a new condom on before sex continues.
5. After sex, withdraw the penis while it is still hard, making sure to hold the condom at the base of the penis so no semen leaks out.
6. When the penis is fully withdrawn, take off the condom, wrap it up and throw it in the bin. Wipe the rest of the semen from the penis and don't let the condom touch the partner's genitals.