All About Condoms

One of the most effective ways to stay safe is by using condoms. Condoms can prevent infected fluids passing from one guy to another when fucking, so they make anal sex safe for both the top and the bottom by preventing the transmission of HIV and a range of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Condoms galore!

Life is all about choices, and when it comes to condoms, we’ve got it pretty good. There are lots of different condoms available for guys who like different sensations or experiences – super-thin, ultra-tough, slimmer-fitting, flared, studded, ribbed, flavoured, and even condoms that vibrate or glow in the dark.

So, it’s up to you what kind of condoms you use, and remember, all condoms that are sold in Australia go through stringent testing so you can be confident you’re staying safe.

Where to find condoms

In NSW, condoms are available for free in many gay bars and at all sex-on-premises venues (SOPVs). Find out where to get free condoms across NSW here.

You can also purchase them from thousands of commercial outlets including supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol stations, adult shops etc, and also online from a wide variety of Australian websites, including these:

  1. Chemist Warehouse
  2. Pharmacy Online
  3. Condomman

Lube up!

When used properly, condoms are very reliable. However, they can occasionally break or slip off so it’s a good idea to check from time to time that the condom is still on and intact. One of the best ways of preventing tears is by ensuring you are lubed up, particularly water- or silicone-based lubes.

Water-based lubes: These are cheaper and don’t stain the sheets, but you have to use more.

Silicone lubes: These are generally more expensive, arguably smoother and can sometimes stain your sheets, but you use less of them and they last longer.

Silicone/water hybrids: These are safe to use, too and they’re meant to give you the best of both worlds.

WHAT IF I DON’T USE LUBE OR IF I USE OIL-BASED LUBES?

Not using any lube or using oil-based lubricants (including Vaseline and butter) wear down the condoms and makes them easier to break. Of course, if that happens it means there’s a greater risk of HIV and other STIs being transmitted. So, we recommend you always use water-based lubes, silicone-based lubes or a combination.

How to use a condom

We’ve set out some steps to follow when using condoms – it may seem like a lot but it quickly becomes second nature.

  1. Check the expiry date! Also make sure the condom is fresh and that it hasn’t been stored for long periods in warm places or in direct sunlight.
  2. Open the packet carefully. Push the condom into the opposite corner of the package from the corner that you are tearing. Avoid using your teeth or nails when opening the package so you don’t rip the condom.
  3. Make sure it is the right way up. Be sure that the roll of latex is on the outside, not the inside.
  4. Squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom.
  5. Don’t put a lot of lube on the dick before rolling on the condom because then it is likely to slide off.
  6. Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the dick.
  7. Apply lots of lube to the outside of the condom (and inside the other person’s arse).
  8. After sex, hold on to the condom at the base of your dick as you pull out. Otherwise it may stay inside the other person’s arse.
  9. Tie it in a knot and put it in the bin. Do not flush down the toilet.

If you are a more visual learner, check out porn star Brent Corrigan showing you how to put on a condom:

TIPS TO HELP YOU STAY HARD

There’s no denying that some guys have trouble staying hard when they’re using condoms. Here are some handy tips.

  • Place a bit of lube on the head of the penis (but not the shaft) before putting on the condom. This will help increase sensitivity
  • Wear a cock ring to help stay hard before putting on a condom
  • Get your partner to place the condom on you and make it a fun part of sex. Foreplay is sexy!

WHAT IF MY CONDOM BREAKS DURING SEX?

Sometimes condoms break during sex. If this happens to you, don’t panic. You may need PEP and should start within 72 hours. PEP is a 4-week course of HIV treatment that prevents HIV infection. Learn more about accessing PEP here.

If more than 72 hours have passed after the breakage, you should book a HIV test to confirm your status, followed by a follow-up test another 3 months later to confirm your status after the window period has expired. If you are experiencing anxiety about this or still have questions you can contact a sexual health nurse through the NSW Sexual Health Info Link on weekdays between 9am to 5:30pm on 1800 451 624.

CONDOMS AGAINST HIV

No matter your sexual habits or preferences, condoms remain one of the best ways to stay safe. If you regularly have sex with guys, or if you are planning on fucking soon, it’s always a great idea to have condoms readily available, and have them in an easy-to-access place so you don’t need to break the mood to get them.

ACON provides free condoms and lube at various locations across NSW. Find your nearest location here.