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Condoms

Condoms protect you and your partner(s) from STIs and pregnancy.

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 What are Condoms?

Condoms are barriers that prevent pregnancy by stopping the sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms also help to protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) by preventing contact with skin and fluids that spread the infections. So, even if you’re using another form of contraception to prevent pregnancy, it’s still important to use condoms every time you have sex to protect yourself and your partner(s) from STIs.

 

 Types of Barriers (and how to use them)

External Condom

covers the penis during sex.

Internal Condom

is worn inside the vagina or anus during sex.

Oral Dam

is a thin square of latex placed over the vulva or anus during oral sex.

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How to use an internal condom

Check the date

Internal Condom Check Date

Condoms expire, so check the date on the package before you use it.

Give it a squeeze and slide it in

Internal Condom Slide It In

Vaginal Sex - squeeze the small ring at the closed end of the condom. Slide it into the vagina up to the cervix.
Anal Sex - remove the small ring at the closed end of the condom. Insert the closed end of the condom into the anus with a finger.

No twists

Internal Condom No Twists

Make sure there are no twists in the condom.

Hang out

Internal Condom Hang Out

Pull fingers out and let the outer ring at the open end of the condom hang about an inch outside the vagina or anus.

Guide it in

Internal Condom Guide

Guide the penis into the opening of the condom.

Have Sex

Internal Condom Have Sex

 

Twist and pull

Internal Condom Pull

After sex, twist the outer ring to keep semen (cum) sealed in the condom, then gently pull the condom out.

Tie it off and & throw it away

Internal Condom Throw

Tie off the condom and throw it in the garbage. Never flush condoms, they can clog the toilet.

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How to use an external condom

Check the date

Condom Check Date

Condoms expire, so check the date on the package before using it.

Give it a squeeze

Condom Squeeze

If the package is broken or sticky, don't use it.

Open it gently

Condom Open

Push the condom to the side and tear open the package gently. Never use teeth or scissors to open a condom, you might accidentally damage it.

Right way up

Condom Right Way

Make sure the condom rolls down the penis easily. If you accidentally put a condom on inside-out, don't flip it and reuse it. Use a new condom.

Pinch the tip

Condom Pinch

Pinch the tip of the condom before rolling it down the penis to leave a little room for semen (cum), making it less likely to break.

Roll to the Base

Condom Roll

Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the penis.

Lube it up

Condom Lube

Lube reduces friction, making it less likely the condom will break.

Have sex

Condom Sex

 

Slide it off

Condom Finished

After sex, hold the condom on at the base and carefully pull the penis out before it goes soft so semen (cum) doesn't accidentally leak out of the condom.

Tie it off & throw it away

Condom Throw Away

Tie off the condom and throw it in the garbage. Never flush condoms, they can clog the toilet.

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How to use an oral dam

An oral dam is placed over the vulva or anus during oral sex.

  • Use a new dam each time you have oral sex and when going between the vulva and anus.
  • If you are having sex with more than one partner at the same time, use a new oral dam with each partner.
Using Oral Dam

Oral dams are made of latex (rubber) or plastic (polyurethane, nitrile, or polyisoprene) and available for purchase at most drug stores. You can also make your own by cutting a rubber glove or condom.

Oral Dam from Gloves Oral Dam from Condom

Make a dam from a rubber glove or condom

Which condom is right for me?

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Condoms are usually made of latex (rubber), but you can also get condoms made of plastic (polyurethane, nitrile, or polyisoprene) and lambskin.

  • Latex and plastic condoms protect against pregnancy and STIs.

  • Lambskin condoms only prevent pregnancy.

Condoms come in lots of textures, flavors, colours and some even glow in the dark!

 

WHERE CAN I GET CONDOMS?

 

Condoms are available for sale at most drugstores, but there are lots of places to get condoms for FREE. You don’t have to be a certain age and you don’t need a prescription.

Free condoms are available at all sexual health clinics and many public health offices in Saskatchewan.

 
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If used perfectly everytime you have vaginal, oral or anal sex, condoms can be very effective in protecting against pregnancy and STIs. But, most people aren't perfect.

With normal use, condoms are

85% Effective

Meaning 15 out of 100 people who use condoms as their only form of contraception will get pregnant in the year.

 

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What Lube Should I Use?

Lubricants make sex more pleasurable. They come in fun flavours and colours, and help to prevent condoms from breaking by reducing friction.

Water Based Lubes

Water based lubes are safe to use with toys, condoms, and are safe for internal (oral, anal, vaginal) use. Some water based lubes contain glycerin, which can increase the chance of yeast infections for some people.

Silicone Based Lubes

Silicone lubes are not water soluble and should not be used with silicone toys. Silicone lubes don’t breed bacteria or yeast, and they are safe to use with condoms.

Oil Based Lubes

Oil based lubricants are not recommended for internal use because they can breed yeast and bacteria. Oil based lubes also break down condoms (very quickly) and damage rubber toys. Oil based lubes should only be used externally, for masturbation or massage.

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Water soluble lubricants come in fun flavors, help sex feel good, and prevent tears and cuts from friction during sex.

What Lube Should I Use?
 

What else do I need to know about condoms?

  • Condoms should go on after the penis is erect, and before any contact with your partner(s) genital area (including vulva, vagina, anus, buttocks, and thighs).

  • Use a new condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex.

  • Use a new condom if you are switching from one type of sex to another.

  • If you’re having sex with more than one person at the same time, use a new condom with each partner.

  • If you’re sharing sex toys between partners, use condoms on toys that are inserted into the vaginal or anus. Use an oral dam between the skin and vibrators.

  • Never use more than one condom at the same time. Using an external and internal condom together won’t give you extra protection.

  • Condoms come in different sizes. Too big, and it may fall off or leak; too small and it may break. To find the right one, start with a regular condom, then try bigger or smaller sizes until you find the right one for you.

  • Store condoms in a cool dry place and out of direct sunlight. Extreme heat, cold or moisture can damage condoms. Over time, condoms can also be damaged from storage in your pocket, wallet or car.

CONSENT

 

Just because someone has a condom does not mean they have consented to sex. There’s only one way to know if a person has given their consent: if they tell you.