How to use a condom
!
1. Always check the date and standard.
Out of date condoms tear easily and
are not safe. Making sure your condom
has a CE mark or British Standard Kite
mark; this shows the condoms have
met a high standard or quality. If your
condoms are in your wallet, change
them at least once a month as the
movement and heat can make them weak and break.
DECEMBER
!
2.Move the condoms to one side and
tear it from one serrated (jagged)
edge to the other. The flat sides are
sealed and will not tear. Do not use
your teeth!
!
!!
3. Get it the right way around. It
should be like a bobble hat; the
condom goes underneath the ring. It
should not be like a beanie; the
condom going over the ring. Getting it
the wrong way can lead to it breaking.
!
!
4. Squeeze the tip and roll down
gently. Make sure there are no
bubbles in the top or the condom
might pop when you ejaculate (cum).
To make sex safer and more fun try
adding lube. When you or your
partner ejaculates make sure you pull
out whilst you are still hard. If you go soft make sure you
grip the bottom of the condom so that it does not slide
off into your partner.
!!
World AIDS Day
st
1
HIV stiff affects people living in the UK. Every year
there are new infections with up to three-quarters of
people living with HIV not knowing they have the
infection. Having HIV is a life changing experience for
many people. World AIDS Day is the first of December
every year and was the first cause to use wearing a
ribbon to signify solidarity and community; people living
with HIV, people who support people living with HIV
and other people affected by HIV. Wear a red ribbon
on the 1st of December to show you are clued-up
about HIV. If you do not know your HIV status go to
your sexual health clinic or if you are unsure about who
to go to call BPCNW and we can help to support you
through your HIV test. Depending on your location
Rapid Testing services (same day results) and saliva tests
may be available. Please contact us for more
information
CONTACT US
There are many ways to contact us when you need help
or just for general enquiries.
BodyPositiveCNW
BodyPositiveCNW
!
Telephone:
E-mail:
Visit:
01270 653150
[email protected]
www.bpcnw.co.uk
Registered Charity No. 1009850
KEEP
CALM
AND
CARRY
CONDOMS
Who is this leaflet for?
This leaflet is for anyone with questions about their
sexual health or for anyone supporting someone with
a sexual health issue.
!
How can I use this leaflet?
You can use this information to teach yourself or the
people around you about sex; being safe and having a
good time. Making the right decisions about sex can
be difficult. Many questions like, “Is it right for me?”,
“How do I use condoms?”, “Do I even need
condoms?”, can lead people of any age to confusion
and worry. This leaflet is aimed at helping you make
better decisions around sex without taking out any of
the fun or embarrassing you.
!
Where can I get more help?
Whether you are thinking about sex, already in a
sexual relationship or just curious, you can contact
BPCNW or any other local sexual health organisation
for information about sex and relationships. Making
those first steps to get into contact can be difficult.
This is why charities and health organisations all over
the country are staffed with people who understand
your need for confidentiality, discretion and to be
respected. Any questions you ask at BPCNW will be
treated with respect and confidentiality.
!
Who are we?
BPCNW provides support, information and advice on
all aspects of sexuality and sexual health. We are a
voluntary sector organisation. Our aim is to develop a
healthy ethos in our community, to improve the
quality of life for gay and bisexual people; to maintain
and promote good sexual health, mental health and
general well being.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sex...
ANSWERED
Do I want sex?
What are symptoms of STIs?
This is probably one of the most important questions
you might want to ask yourself. Part of having healthy
enjoyable sex is wanting to have sex; to not feel forced
or pressured into it. You need to decide for yourself if
sex is something you want to do. If you do not want
to have sex there is nothing wrong with you at all.
There are thousands of people in the UK who never
want to have sex, they just do not feel they want to. STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. These are
infections that can be passed on when you have sex.
Infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes simplex
virus, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, human papilloma virus,
molluscum, pubic lice, scabies, and syphilis. Most of
these infections and parasites have no symptoms until
they do some major damage. It is best to go for a
routine screening, at least every year, or whenever you
have had sex without condoms. That way you will
know if you need treatment even if you do not have
any symptoms.
!
If you do want sex, think about what you want to get
from sex. Do you want a relationship or do you want
sex for the enjoyment of it alone? It is important that
you know for yourself what you want. This might take
a while to find out, no matter what age you are; 16 or
60, there is no rush! If you know what you want then
find someone who wants the same things from sex or
a relationship that you do. That way you both get what
you want.
!
!
What if the other person is drunk?
If someone is drunk or under the influence of drugs
then you really need to think about the decision to
have sex. The law states that if a person is drunk or
under the influence of drugs they are not able to legally
agree to having sex. This could mean that you could be
investigated or charged with sexual assault or rape.
When people drink alcohol their understanding of the
world changes and so might their understanding of you.
Do not make the mistake of assuming consent, if there
is any doubt, stop.
!
!
What is the point of lube?
Lube or lubricant makes sex safer and feel better. Lube
is really important for women who might have vaginal
dryness, if you have sex for a long time and you or
your partner start to feel ‘dry’. It is hugely important
for anyone gay, straight or bi that you use lube for sex
if you are worried the condoms might split or you are
having anal sex. Your bum does not lubricate itself!
!
Is pornography a good guide?
No, there is a lot that happens in porn that simply does
not happen in the same way in real life. Do not assume
your partner is going to like anything you have seen in
the videos. Ask them about it. Talking is the only way
to really find out for sure what someone wants and
likes. Porn is staged. It might look good to the people
doing it but in real life it might not turn out that way.