Category Archives: Attitude

Well hello there,

This week I’m lucky enough to have a guest post from our favourite TV doctor and fellow Attitude columnist, the handsome Doctor Christian Jessen. In this post we won’t be discussing embarrassing bodies or healthy eating, but rather condoms – the simple tool for safer sex…

We all know that condoms offer us the best protection (98% effective when used properly) from both STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and unwanted pregnancy, but are you sure that you’re using them correctly?

Don’t be so sure: a study of 1,400 teens by Southampton University found that 6% had put the condom on too late and another 6% took the condom off too soon.

Here are some simple DOs and DON’Ts to make sure you’re using your condoms properly:

DOs

• Only use approved latex or polyurethane condoms that bear the BS Kite mark.
• Make sure you have the right condom for YOU – just like penises they come in many sizes.
  They can be measured for at home by you and ordered online to save any embarrassment.
• Check the date before you use it, out of date condoms become brittle and break.
• Make sure you have the condom the right way round BEFORE you apply it to the head of your penis.
• With one thumb and finger grip the tip of the condom to squeeze out any air, then use your other hand to roll the condom as far down as you can.
• Use a water or silicon based lube – this reduces friction and reduces risk of breaking the condom.
• If you’re having a long session consider taking a break and switching to a new condom.
• If you’re playing with more than one partner (lucky you) – use a different condom for each person. The same applies to sex toys, put on condom on them and change with every partner.
• Pull out whilst you’re still hard – making sure to hold the base of the condom.
• Throw it in the bin, don’t flush it.

DON’Ts

• Don’t use an out of date condom – they can break more easily, and we don’t want that.
• Don’t bite condom wrappers open – you may damage the condom inside.
  Remember that long nails can also cause damage to condoms.
• Don’t unroll the condom until you’re ready to roll it down and over your penis.
• Don’t use an oil based lube (this includes Vaseline and baby oil) – the oil weakens the condom and can lead to it failing.
• Don’t re-use a condom, this shouldn’t need saying but we’ll throw it in anyway.
• Don’t use two condoms at once – the friction between them can tear both condoms.
• Don’t use a condom and a female condom (or femidom) together for the same reason.

You can buy condoms at supermarkets, pharmacies and most convenience stores, if you’re too shy to do it in person why not order yourself some online from NHS Freedoms, and don’t forget that you can always pick some up for free from your local Sexual Health Clinic.

Good Health,

Doctor Christian Jessen