How to Use A Condom (Part 4)
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)

• After intercourse, hold on to the rim of the condom as the penis is withdrawn, being careful not to spill any semen. Hold on to the rim at any stage if the condom appears to be slipping.
  
  
• Withdraw the penis as soon as possible after ejeculation because when the erection is lost the condom may slip off, allowing semen to escape. This is the commonest mistake that people make which causes the condom to slip.
  
  
• After sex, check the used condom for breaks. If it has torn during vaginal intercourse and there is a possibility that a pregnancy might occur, due to leaked semen, quickly insert some spermicide (jelly, cream or pessary) into the vagina. This is better than washing or douching.
  
  
• For women, if a condom breaks or slips or leaks, emergency contraceptive pills ("morning-after" pills) may be needed to protect from an unplanned pregnancy. These must be started within 72 hours of unprotected sex, the sooner the better.
  
  
• If a condom breaks or slips or leaks, protection from infection may also be needed. See a doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health centre. Mark the date of the accident in your diary.
  
  
• Do not recycle. Never use a condom more than once.
  
  
• Dispose of the condom safely so that no-one (e.g. a young child) can get it. Some like to tie the top of the condom to stop the semen leaking out. It is best to place wrapped condoms in household rubbish because they can cause problems in the sewage system if flushed down the toilet.
  
  
• Store condoms in a cool dry place away from light and heat which can perish the rubber. Make sure they are not squashed. Storage is particularly important if you have a generous supply of condoms. Do not keep them for a long time in a wallet or other warm place such as the glovebox of a car.
  
  
• On the other hand, don't forget to carry them with you. Many problems occur because people (male and female) have forgotten to take condoms with them. Carrying condoms means you are responsible.
  
  
• If the condom you have chosen does not fit comfortably, try another type. Condoms vary in size and shape and in the tightness of the rim at the open end of the condom. You may find a shaped condom fits best or one that is smaller or larger. Badly fitting condoms are more likely to break or slip off.
  
  

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