Why´s it so important to use a condom?

When having sex with a client or with anyone, it is important to use a condom to protect your health. Condoms are the best way to avoid contracting HIV or other STDs. When used correctly, they are a simple and effective prevention method.

Having risky sex without a condom even once can result in HIV transmission. So, you must always use a condom during anal sex (either active or passive), and during vaginal penetration too.

 

condon

What kind of condoms should I use?

Any condom you use should be approved by the Ministry of Health. It should be latex or polyurethane and with a reservoir tip.

You can get condoms in pharmacies, sex shops or department stores, and also free from organizations that have programs for sex workers: click here for a list. Another option is to buy condoms from vending machines, but you must always double check to make sure the machine is not in a sunny place as latex disintegrates with heat and therefore condoms may not be any good.

Always check the expiration date.

Condoms can´t be kept just anywhere, choose a place out of direct heat. If not, the latex will deteriorate. It´s not a good idea to keep your condoms in the glove compartment of a car, for example.

It´s smart to always have on hand both condoms and lubricant, just in case the opportunity to have sex comes up, even if you weren´t planning on it. However, take into consideration that condoms can´t be kept for too many days in a wallet or your pocket, as they deteriorate easily.

How do you use a condom?

When you´re about to put on a condom, keep in mind:

  • You can´t open the condom with your teeth or other sharp objects, as it could tear. To open, move the condom inside the package to one side with your fingers and open the package carefully on the empty side.
  • The condom must be put on when your penis is completely hard, before penetration.
  • Condom should be placed on the tip of the penis, making sure all air is out of the reservoir tip to make room for the semen, and rolling condom down to the base of the penis.
  • Check to make sure you´ve put it on correctly and not inside out. If condom doesn´t unroll correctly, you´re putting it on inside out. Turn in right-side out by blowing on it or using your fingers (careful with your nails), to put it on correctly.
  • After you cum and before you completely lose your erection, carefully pull penis out of anus or vagina by gripping the base of the condom, to avoid condom getting stuck inside, and semen dripping out.
  • Tie a knot in the condom and throw it in the trash, never in the toilet as condoms aren´t biodegradable.
  • You should use one condom every time you have sex, and a different condom for anal and vaginal sex. Never re-use or use more than one at a time.