Both male and female condoms are highly protective when used correctly. But don’t use them both at the same time! They do not stay in place when used together. Read the instructions and practice a few times before using condoms for the first time. Also, follow these guidelines:
☛Keep male condoms in a cool, dry place. Storing condoms where it can get hot, such as in the car or your wallet, can cause them to break or tear.
☛Check the wrapper for tears and to make sure the condom is not too old to use. Carefully open the wrapper—don’t use your teeth or fingernails. Make sure the condom looks okay to use. Don’t use a condom that’s gummy, brittle, discolored, or has even a tiny hole.
☛Put on the condom as soon as the penis is erect, but before it touches the vagina, mouth, or anus.
☛Use only lubricants made with water (such as K-Y Jelly™, Astroglide™, AquaLube™, glycerine). Oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline™, can weaken the condom. The lubricant is put on the outside of the condom. It helps to keep the condom from tearing. Don’t regularly use lubricants with spermicide called nonoxynol-9 (N-9), which might make it easier for an STI—including HIV—to get into your body.
☛After sex, pull out the penis while it is still erect, holding the condom firmly at the base of the penis so it does not slip off.
☛Use a new condom if you want to have sex again or in a different way.
☛Check the wrapper for tears and to make sure the condom is not too old to use. Open the wrapper carefully—don’t use your teeth or fingernails. Make sure the condom looks okay to use.
☛Put the condom into the vagina up to 8 hours before having sex, but before the penis touches the vagina. The condom cannot disappear inside your body.
☛It is okay to use water or oil-based lubricants. The lubricant is put on the inside and outside of the condom.
☛ After sex, remove the condom before standing up. Grasp the outside ring and twist the condom to trap fluid and gently remove it.
☛ Use a new condom if you want to have sex again or in a different way.
Source: The Healthy Woman - A Complete Guide for All Ages.
How to Use Male Condom
Use male condoms made of latex, or polyurethane if you or your partner is allergic to latex. “Natural” or “lambskin” condoms don’t protect against STIs. Use male condoms for vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
☛Keep male condoms in a cool, dry place. Storing condoms where it can get hot, such as in the car or your wallet, can cause them to break or tear.
☛Check the wrapper for tears and to make sure the condom is not too old to use. Carefully open the wrapper—don’t use your teeth or fingernails. Make sure the condom looks okay to use. Don’t use a condom that’s gummy, brittle, discolored, or has even a tiny hole.
☛Put on the condom as soon as the penis is erect, but before it touches the vagina, mouth, or anus.
☛Use only lubricants made with water (such as K-Y Jelly™, Astroglide™, AquaLube™, glycerine). Oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline™, can weaken the condom. The lubricant is put on the outside of the condom. It helps to keep the condom from tearing. Don’t regularly use lubricants with spermicide called nonoxynol-9 (N-9), which might make it easier for an STI—including HIV—to get into your body.
☛After sex, pull out the penis while it is still erect, holding the condom firmly at the base of the penis so it does not slip off.
☛Use a new condom if you want to have sex again or in a different way.
How to Use Female Condom
The female condom (Reality™) is made of the plastic polyurethane. It has a ring on each end. The inside ring holds the condom in place inside the vagina. The outer ring stays outside the vagina so it covers the labia. Use female condoms for vaginal sex if your partner can’t or won’t use a male condom.
☛Check the wrapper for tears and to make sure the condom is not too old to use. Open the wrapper carefully—don’t use your teeth or fingernails. Make sure the condom looks okay to use.
☛Put the condom into the vagina up to 8 hours before having sex, but before the penis touches the vagina. The condom cannot disappear inside your body.
☛It is okay to use water or oil-based lubricants. The lubricant is put on the inside and outside of the condom.
☛ After sex, remove the condom before standing up. Grasp the outside ring and twist the condom to trap fluid and gently remove it.
☛ Use a new condom if you want to have sex again or in a different way.
Source: The Healthy Woman - A Complete Guide for All Ages.