How to Use A Condom (Part 3)
The following information is taken from: "A Prospective Study Of Condom Use In Family Planning Clients" by Dr Margaret J. Sparrow and Kay Lavill (December 1993)

• Lubricant should be applied whenever it is needed. It can be applied at the beginning or added during sex. Don't feel embarrassed to ask your partner to pause and apply more if you are feeling dry.
  
  
• Spermicidal lubricants, preferably containing nonoxynol-9, kill sperm and help prevent sexually transmitted infections. You can use a condom lubricated with spermicide, spermicidal jelly, cream or pessary (vaginal tablet) but don't relax on good technique just because you are using a spermicide. It is the condom which is the most effective barrier. The spermicide is an optional extra. Don't use spermicide if it causes irritation.
  
  
• Plain water based lubricants may also be used e.g. "KY" jelly or "Sylk" lotion. Other brands are also available e.g. "Wetstuff", "Glide". See which suits you best. If no additional lubricant is available, use a little water.
  
  
• Saliva is not quite as good as other lubricants and it is not recommended if there is a possibility of transmitting infection. The risk is small but it is better to be safe.
  
  
• For lubrication, never use vegetable or mineral oil or oil based products such as massage oil, baby oil (eg Johnsons), petrolium jelly, hand or body lotion (eg Vaseline or Vaseline Intensive Care) or moisturiser. These may cause deterioration in the rubber even with brief exposure.
  
  
• Do not use any skin preparation if the composition is unknown. Not only may it damage the rubber but continued use may be harmful to the skin of the penis.
  
  
• Some, but not all preparations for thrush treatment, also damage rubber. If you are not sure which ones, check with a health professional.
  
  
• During intercourse it is most likely that one or other partner will be able to detect any break in the condom before ejaculation. Watch carefully during sex, pause to check if there seems to be a problem and either replace the condom or stop intercourse.
  
  
• The very best way of preventing infection or an unwanted pregnancy is for the man to withdraw the penis just before ejaculation, to check that it has not torn. This may take a little practice.
  
  
• Condoms are more likely to break if sex is vigorous or prolonged or dry or if there are major changes in position. If the man repeatedly withdraws completely and thrusts back in, with force, this can weaken the condom.
  
  

How to Use a Condom 1 2 3 4 5