Sexual Health for Men - Condoms

Some of us think that we don’t need condoms, or that just this one time without one wouldn't make a difference. But that is the biggest mistake you can ever make - that one time can give you something more than a good night. You can end up with one or more STI's (sexually transmitted infection). Most STI’s can be cured quite easily, but are incurable!!!! It also very important that you use condoms with the British Standard Institute (BSI) or the European CE mark as these are quality tested and unlikely to fail in use.  

Here are a couple of common questions asked by a lot of young people:

Where do I get them from?

You can get them from a variety of places like health centres, hospitals, from your doctor, etc. You can also buy them from the chemist, local shops and supermarkets. If you are 16 or over, (male or female) then you can get them from SYIS. Some public toilets have condom vending machines. Buying or asking for condoms can be very embarrassing but you will get used to it and it is just part of life.

Why should I use them?

We all know of the dangers of STI’s and how easily they can spread.  There is also the danger of an unwanted pregnancy.

Is it true that condoms spoil the pleasure of sex?

With the wide variety of condoms now available, that is not true at all!!! You can get different thicknesses of condoms (featherlite, sensitive, etc) and many different types (ribbed, studded, flavored, etc).

How do I put on a condom?

• Put the condom on when the penis is erect, before there is any contact between the penis and your partner's body. Fluid released from the penis during the early stages of an erection can contain sperm and organisms that can caused STIs
• Tear along one side of the foil, being sure not to rip the condom inside
• Carefully remove the condom
• Air trapped inside a condom could cause it to split. To avoid this, squeeze the closed end of the condom between your forefinger and thumb and place the condom over the erect penis. Be sure that the roll is on the outside
• While still squeezing the closed end, use your other hand to unroll the condom gently down the full length of the penis. Make sure the condom stays in place during sex; if it rolls up, roll it back into place immediately
• If the condom comes off, withdraw the penis and put on a new condom before intercourse continues
• Dispose of the used condom hygienically. Wrap the condom in a tissue and place it in a bin (do not flush it down the toilet).
   
  

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