There is a correct way which everyone needs to learn - it doesn’t just come naturally.

Things to remember when you’re putting on a condom are:

• Check that the packet is intact - look for the air bubble/pocket,
• Check the use-by-date,
• Be careful opening the packet not to tear the condom,
• Check the condom will roll on the right way and not inside out before contact with the cock,
• Squeeze the air out of the tip before rolling it on,
• Pull the foreskin back (if there is one),
• Roll the condom down in smooth movements all the way to the base of the cock,
• Cover the outside with lots of water-based lubricant,
• Check during fucking that the condom is still on and intact,
• When pulling out either before or immediately after cumming, hold the condom firmly at the base of the shaft,
• Roll off the condom, tie off to prevent cum spilling and dispose of in the bin (not down the toilet - an environmental no-no).

All this might all sound like a hell of a lot to remember, but once you have used condoms correctly a few times then you can use them without having to think about it.

What sort of lube do I use?

The only suitable lubricants are water-based ones such as KY, Muko or Wet Stuff - ask your chemist or adult shop operator - there are lots available to choose from.

All lubricants that contain animal fats, plant or mineral fats (such as Crisco, Nivea, Vaseline, butter, baby oil, massage oil or body lotions) are not OK to use with condoms.  The thin latex membrane weakens quickly with oil and may break.

For more information and tips on condom use, Contact us for our Little Black and Blue Condom User’s Guide (Adults Only).

When should I use a condom?

For some people, condoms may interfere with intimacy, spontaneity or alter the way your cock or arse feels when you are fucking.  However there is no doubt that condoms do prevent infections being passed on.  For safe sex, condoms should be used whenever you fuck - and that means every time.  Anal fucking or being fucked is high risk for HIV transmission.  Not wearing a condom and pulling out before cumming is risky for both partners.

Remember: condoms can be sexy and fun when having sex and can even be a turn on! If condoms are interfering with your enjoyment of fucking, or your ability to stay hard, it may be due to a psychological barrier rather than physical sensation. This problem can be overcome by using condoms when wanking, using them in sex play, and using them with a patient partner who is willing to experiment and play to make condoms more sensual. An advantage some guys find with using condoms is that they can last longer when they are fucking!

Condoms have been shown in laboratory tests to be an effective barrier against viruses (HIV – the virus that causes AIDS, Hepatitis A, B and C and syphilis) and bacteria (gonorrhoea, and Chlamydia) as they cannot get through the intact latex of a condom.  Condoms however won’t stop the spread of some other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) where transmission occurs primarily by close skin to skin contact like genital herpes, genital warts, pubic lice, and scabies.

It is important to know how these STIs are transmitted and what they might look like in order to avoid transmission. For example, a condom can only be an effective barrier against infection that is concerned with the penis. If transmission may occur from a sore on the scrotum then a condom is not going to protect you against such transmission.

It is important that you find a condom brand that suits you, so that you don’t have to worry when you are fucking. Condoms are cheap - consider how much you spend going to a movie - spending the same on condoms and lube could keep you entertained for ages. You can get condoms at the AIDS Council, gay venues, chemists, adult shops, supermarkets or condom machines.