Getting used to condoms can take a little practise, but it doesn't take long before they start to feel like an essential part of your sex life. Here are some of the main things you need to know.
The CE quality mark
Always choose condoms that carry the European CE mark, a recognised safety standard. Don’t use novelty condoms unless they carry the European CE mark.
Condom before contact
Always put on the condom before there's any contact between the penis and the vagina, mouth or anus.
New sex, new condom
Use a new condom every time you have sex.
30-minute rule
If you're having a long sex session, change condoms after 30 minutes because friction can weaken the condom, making it more likely to break or fail.
One condom at a time
Never use two condoms together. Whether that's two male condoms or a female and a male condom. They will rub against each other, and this friction can weaken them and make them more likely to break or fail.
Don't put them down the toilet
Wrap used condoms in a tissue or piece of paper, and put them in a dustbin. Don't flush used condoms down the toilet.
Keep condoms cool
Heat can damage condoms, so store them somewhere cool and dry.
Check the date
Check the expiry date on the packaging. Condoms don't last forever.
Safer sex on holiday
Buy condoms before going on holiday to avoid problems with language and trying to find somewhere to buy them.
Don't use lotion or oils
Use plenty of water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly (available from pharmacies), especially for anal sex.
Don't use body lotions, moisturiser, massage oil, body oil, lipstick or any other oil-based product (such as petroleum jelly, or Vaseline) with latex condoms. This is because they can weaken the condom, making it less effective.
Oral sex
Using a condom during oral sex can help to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including those that affect the mouth or throat, such as herpes, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Try using flavoured condoms for variety.
Buying condoms online
If you buy condoms online, don’t buy from auction sites such as eBay. Make sure that any condoms you buy have the CE mark and haven't gone past the use-by date on the packaging.
Remember, use a condom every time you have sex to protect against STIs. To protect against unintended pregnancy, use another form of contraceptive as well, such as the longer-acting methods (the implant, injection, IUS and the IUD).
For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free on 0800 567123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.
