Did you know that lube can make sex safer AND increase comfort and pleasure at the same time!? Make sure your lube is safe to use with condoms. That means only using water-based or silicone-based lube with latex condoms — lube with oil in it can break down latex and cause condoms to tear. It’s also a bad idea to use lotions, baby oil, or Vaseline as sexual lubricants because they can irritate your genitals and cause condoms to break.
Not sure how to put on a condom? We’ve got you covered.
1.
CONSENT: Make sure that both partners enthusiastically say
“yes” to each act of sex. Don’t assume someone wants to. Instead, ask and open
up a conversation!
2.
TEMP:
Store at room temp.
Cars, wallets, and pockets are too hot to store condoms. However, if someone is
going out for the evening, it is okay to put a condom in their wallet or purse for
a short time so that they can be prepared.
3.
EXPIRATION
DATE? Check it!
4.
AIR
BUBBLE: Pinch the center of the package to be sure that package is not open
or damaged.
5.
OPEN:
Tear down the side of the package with fingers. Don’t use teeth or scissors
because it can damage the condom.
6.
PINCH IT:
to leave room for any semen.
7.
ROLL IT:
Make sure it will roll down the right way BEFORE the condom goes on the penis.
If you put it on inside out by accident, don’t turn it over and use it again, because
fluid from the penis already touched the condom.
8.
CHECK IT:
to see that it’s still on correctly during sex.
Hello. I’m alergic to latex and using condoms is important to me. Are there any non-latex condoms out there?
There are actually a lot of non-latex condom options. The main alternatives to latex condoms are plastic (polyurethane, nitrile, or polyisoprene) or lambskin. While lambskin condoms help prevent pregnancy, they don’t protect you from STDs the way latex and plastic condoms do. You can buy plastic or lambskin condoms online or at most drug stores or pharmacies.
How to prevent STDs when both people have vaginas (aka you cant wear a condom?)
There are many ways to protect yourself against STDs. While the external condom, which goes on the penis, is the most popular method, it’s not the best option for everyone. Here are some alternatives:
Internal condoms — also called “female” condoms — are little soft plastic pouches that you put inside your vagina to protect against pregnancy and STDs. There is currently only one brand available in the US called FC2.
Dental dams are thin, square pieces of latex that help prevent the spread of STDs when placed over the vulva or anus during oral sex. Dental dams can protect you and your partner from body fluids and some skin-to-skin contact, which can both spread STDs. Are you the DIY type? Dental dams can also be made out of condoms, rubber gloves, and even non-porous plastic wrap.
Condoms and dental dams are available at Planned Parenthood health centers and your local drugstore. Have fun and be safe!
Not sure how to put on a condom? We’ve got you covered. Check out our video and our other helpful resources, like our tips on how to talk to your partners about using condoms.
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