Factsheet

The Male Condom

Date   11 February 2008

Using a Condom

WHAT IS THE MALE CONDOM?

The most common type of male condom is a fine latex rubber sheath, which is worn on an erect (stiff) penis. It is called the male condom because there is also a female condom that fits inside a woman's vagina. Non-latex condoms made from a polyurethane known as Duran (brand name 'Avanti') are also available. For the rest of this information 'condom' will mean the male condom.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

It collects the semen, the fluid that contains sperm.

HOW EFFECTIVE ARE CONDOMS?

Condoms have about a 2 - 15% failure rate. They are very effective if used correctly for every act of intercourse. This means using a new one every time you have sex, and taking care to put it on and take it off correctly. A water-based lubricant should be used every time you use a condom as this reduces the risk of the condom breaking. Condoms should be used only once and then thrown away.

Perfect use: 98%
Typical use: 85%

HOW DO YOU USE THEM?

1. Condoms are individually wrapped in packets, so first carefully tear open the packet, making sure you do not tear the condom with your fingernails.
2. The condom will be rolled up. It will look like a circle of loose fine rubber with a thick rim, which is actually the rolled up condom. Make sure the rim is rolled towards the centre on the side facing you. This is important as it will then roll down properly.
3. Hold and squeeze the centre of the circle where the condom is loose, with your thumb and first two fingers. This will make space for the semen when you come. Some condoms have a special shape like a nipple at the end especially for this purpose.
4. The penis must be erect before you put on the condom. With the condom still rolled up, and while still holding the tip, put the condom on the head of the penis like a cap.
5. Using your other hand (thumb and first two fingers), roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis.
6. Put some lubricant on the condom.
7. After sex and before the penis has become soft, hold onto the condom at the base of the penis so that the condom does not come off, and semen does not leak out, and carefully pull away from your partner.
8. Take off the condom and tie a knot in the open end to keep the semen inside the condom.
9. Wrap the condom in a tissue or some paper, and put it in the bin. Do not flush it down the toilet.

REMEMBER:

1. Store condoms away from heat and sunlight
2. Check the expiry date on the pack before you use it.
3. Check that the condom packet has not been torn or opened.
4. Do not have any genital contact before you put the condom on.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

There are no side effects, unless you are allergic to latex rubber or to the lubricant. This is very rare. If either person gets a rash or any discomfort, check with your doctor or clinic.

You can use non-latex condoms as an alternative if you or your partner are allergic to latex rubber.

WHERE DO YOU GET CONDOMS?

Latex rubber condoms are available at family planning centres, pharmacies, sexual health clinics, vending machines, supermarkets and by mail order. Non-latex condoms are available at most large supermarkets and pharmacies.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

1. Using condoms reduces the risk of pregnancy.
2. Using condoms reduces the risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
3. No prescription is needed to buy condoms.
4. Condoms are easy to obtain and inexpensive.

ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES?

Condoms are perishable so they need to be kept in a cool place and used before the expiry date, otherwise they will break.

Do not use oil based lubricants such as petroleum jelly or massage oil with rubber condoms as these can also break the condom. Oil based lubricants are safe to use with non-latex condoms.

If you think the condom hasn't worked, eg if it breaks or slips of during sex, or you forget to use it, the emergency contraceptive pill is available from pharmacies. After unprotected sex emergency contraception can be used within 120 hours to reduce the risk of accidental pregnancy.

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For further information

Contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886.