condoms
To be sure you don't get (someone) pregnant or get an STD/HIV, use condoms with another form of birth control. But...never use two condoms at the same time. The friction can make them break.
Store condoms in a cool, dry, protected place (not your pocket). Don't store condoms in areas that get too hot or too cold (like your wallet, glove compartment of the car, or secret spot outdoors).
Practice Makes Perfect!
Why not practice alone before the pressure's on?
Ladies, you can also practice these steps on your index and middle fingers (held together) or even on a banana. Practicing can help you make using condoms part of foreplay.
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How to Use Male Condoms
- Keep it Fresh: Check the expiration date on the wrapper - Use the condom before that date. Don't use it after that date. And don't use a condom that looks dried out or beat up - you want it fresh.
- Open with care: Don't open the package with your teeth. Be careful not to tear the condom with your fingernails.
- Get it slick: Hold the condom in a way that will let it roll down the penis. For more lubrication, you can put a few drops of silicone or water-based lube (like K-Y®, Astroglide®, Glide ID®, or Wet®) inside the condom. Using a little lube feels really good, and it helps keep the condom from breaking. BUT don't use oil-based lube such as hand lotion, Vaseline®, vegetable oil, etc., because the condom may break. And don't use a spermicide with Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) with a condom.
- Hard up? Wait until the penis is hard. With one hand, pinch the condom tip to squeeze out air and leave space to catch the semen. If there's no room at the tip the condom might break, but an air bubble can make it break too. If this sounds tricky, why not practice alone first?
- Head first: With the other hand, pull back the foreskin (if not circumcised) and place the condom on the head of the penis while holding the tip of the condom.
- Roll and Rock: Unroll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis. Make it feel good for both of you by using more silicone or water-based lube on the outside of the condom. Before you go at it, smooth out any air bubbles, because they can make the condom break.
- For thrills, no spills: After sex, hold the condom at the base of the penis and pull out while still hard so nothing spills.
- Thank you condom. Goodbye now! Tie it off and throw the used condom in the trash (not the toilet).
Want a visual? Here are drawings on how to use a male condom (PDF).
Respect yourself, Respect your partner: Use a new condom every time you have sex - vaginal, oral or anal.
Where to Get Condoms
Some places that often carry condoms include:
- Health centers, including Family Planning Program Sites
- Community organizations and youth organizations
- Drug stores, grocery stores and convenience stores (gas stations)
- Doctors' offices
Not sure where to go? Ask a school nurse or another adult you trust.
Buying Condoms for the First Time?
Check out this video - Caribbean: Buying Condoms...That Was Easy.
Skin to Skin
You should know: While condoms are very effective at preventing STDs and HIV, they are not as effective at preventing genital herpes (HSV) and genital warts (HPV). These two viruses are passed by skin-to-skin contact in areas not always covered by condoms.
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