Use a condom EVERY time you have intercourse for both pregnancy prevention and STI protection. Both latex and synthetic condoms provide protection from pregnancy and STIs. Some female clients will choose to use an accepted fertility-based method and use condoms as their method of choice during fertile times.
Have an adequate supply of condoms and water based or silicone-based lubricant on hand when using latex condoms in case any are damaged or torn before use, put on incorrectly or in case of repeated intercourse. Oil based products can be used with polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms.
A condom should be put on the male's erect penis BEFORE THE PENIS IS PUT IN OR NEAR THE PARTNER’S VAGINA, MOUTH OR ANUS.
Pull the condom over the head of the penis leaving about 1/2-inch empty space at the end or buy condoms with reservoir tips to hold the semen.
Slowly unroll the condom until the entire penis is covered. The rolled ring should be on the outside.
After intercourse, hold on to the condom as you withdraw the penis, taking care not to spill any semen anywhere near the woman's vagina. The penis should be withdrawn soon after ejaculation because loss of erection can cause the condom to slip off.
Store condoms in a COOL, DRY PLACE out of direct sunlight. Condoms should not be kept in a wallet or car as heat can cause deterioration of latex.
Do not use Vaseline or any oil-based lubricants with latex condoms, as these products may weaken the condoms and lead to breakage. (You may want to use contraceptive spermicide if additional lubrication is needed.)
Condoms should never be reused.
After intercourse, check the condom for visible damage, such as holes, before you throw it away.
If you do not use a condom or if the condom tears, leaks, breaks, or falls off.
- Contact your healthcare provider as soon as you can.
- DO NOT DOUCHE.
- Emergency contraception (available over the counter or from our Family Planning clinic) may be used to prevent pregnancy. Oral ECP’s should be taken within 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected intercourse but it works best the sooner it is started.
- Wash genitals with soap and water immediately after intercourse to reduce the risk of acquiring a STI.
- Then insert an applicator full of spermicide into the vagina as soon as possible.
Condoms in damaged packages or that show obvious signs of deterioration (e.g., brittleness, stickiness or discoloration) should never be used.
Do not flush condoms as they may clog the toilet.