Sexual safety - Male Contraception
Male Condoms and Lube
Condoms are the only method of contraception that protect against both pregnancy and most Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs).
A male condom is made of very thin latex or polyurethane and fits over the man’s erect penis.
How do male condoms work?
A condom is put on once the penis is erect and before it has touched the vagina, anus or mouth. A condom covers the whole of the penis and stops sexual fluids (semen or vaginal fluids) being exchanged. When the man ejaculates (cums), the seminal fluid stays in the condom. It doesn’t enter the vagina, anus or mouth. The man needs to withdraw carefully straight after ejaculation so none of the cum spills.
More condom facts
Condoms come in different shapes, sizes, textures, colours and flavours to suit everyone.
What you need to know:
- Use a new condom each time for vaginal, anal or oral intercourse.
- Put the condom on as soon as the penis is erect and before any skin to skin contact.
- Squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom – gives the cum somewhere to go so it won’t spill down the inside of the condom.
- Use only water-based lubricants like Wet, KY Jelly or Sylk. These reduce friction during sex and make a condom less likely to tear. Lube also makes sex more comfortable.
- Never use oil-based products such as baby oil, Vaseline, petroleum jelly, face-, hand- or body-cream. Oil-based products can damage latex condoms.
- Putting a condom on for the first time can be tricky. Practicing somewhere private can be helpful. Try practicing in the dark too.
- Withdraw the penis and condom carefully straight after ejaculation.
How do you use a male condom?
What you need to know:
- Check the expiry date – don’t use old condoms or condoms that have been exposed to heat or light. They will break easily.
- Check the condom has a certifying standard on it – in New Zealand, this will be a CE number stamped on the back of the condom packaging.
- Be careful opening the condom packet – fingernails, jewellery or teeth can rip the condom as well as the packet. Push the condom down inside the packet and tear the top off.
- Squeeze the tip of the condom to remove any air.
- Roll the condom over the penis when it’s hard, making sure that it unrolls all the way to the bottom of the shaft.
- Put extra lubrication on the condom-covered penis. Make sure it’s water-based.
- After ejaculation, hold the bottom of the condom in place and withdraw carefully.
- Remove condom from penis. Tie the open end off and dispose of in the rubbish.
Click here to download a PDF demonstrating putting on a condom.
Where can I get male condoms from? How much do male condoms cost?
Condoms are available from lots of places.
- Family Planning Clinics – if you’re under 22, and a NZ Resident – your clinic visit is free. You can get up to 144 condoms for a $3 prescription charge.
- Family Planning Web Shop http://www.familyplanning.org.nz/WebShop.aspx.
- Supermarket.
- Service stations.
- Chemists.
- Vending machines.
- Sexual health clinics ($3 prescription).
- Your local doctor ($3 prescription).
Remember to check the expiry date and that the condom has the standards details.
How should I store a condom?
Condoms keep best in a dry, cool place – somewhere like a drawer or cupboard is great. If you’re in any doubt about the quality of a condom, don’t use it.
