Metromate - London's sexual health directory 2014

Use a condom and stay ALIVE

Condoms used with water based lube are the surest way to protect you or your partner against HIV infection. New research last year {link} proved that condoms used properly for anal sex are as reliable as when used for vaginal sex. The study showed that the standard strength condoms were just as reliable as the thicker ones.

This means that there is a very wide variety of condoms you can chose from now. Everyone's cock is different so know you can shop around until you find the condoms that is best for you. You can get condoms in several different thicknesses, smaller and larger than the standard and in slightly different shapes. Always use a condom with the CE mark or British Standard Kitemark which means that they are monitored for quality. Commonly available and reliable condom are: Durex: Gossamer, Comfort, Elite, Ultra Strong, Featherlight and gold; Mates: Intensity, Super strong, Sensitive, Natural and Conform (Snugglers); Condomi: Sensation, Premium and Supersafe; Safeguard Forte.

Studies have found that condoms with nonoxynol 9 lubricant can irritate the lining of the arse. This could lead to an increased risk of HIV transmission if condoms aren't being used or if a condom broke. If you find this is the case change to a brand without - most now are.

The same study also gave us a lot of information about how to use condoms well.

Unroll the condom over the cock. Don't unroll the condom first and then try to put it on.
Put lots of water based lube over the outside of the condom. Don't put lube on the cock before putting the condom on - this causes them to slip off.
Put water based lube on and up his arsehole.
Check that the condom is still on and not torn occasionally while you're fucking. And if you fuck for more than three quarters of an hour put a new condom on.
Finally, practice makes perfect - men who felt confident that they could use condoms tended to use them better. Don't be afraid to practice putting them on - on your own or with someone else - until you feel confident.

Lube

Using lots of water based lube on the outside of the condom and up and around the arse. The best known brands are: Bodywise Liquid Silk, WET, ID glide, Slick, Sutherland, Wet Stuff and 121. Why not buy a big pot to put by your bed insead of scrabbling to rip open those little packets in the middle of fucking. Oil based lubricant is bad for rubber and cause condoms to break.
Alternatives

Some gay men report that Femidoms (we'd rather call them "shag bags") are effective and overcome some of the problems associated with condoms. While there is no sound scientific evidence to support their use by men who fuck men, you can find out more by reading {link} Peter Scott's article in GMFA's newsletter or by visiting the {link} Femidom Reality Research web site.

Some men also report that Avanti polyeurothane condoms work well.

Both these type of condom are much more expensive than the rubber ones - but then a good fuck is worth a couple of quid - and they are much cheaper if you order them on the web.

What lube can I use

• What lube can I use?
  
• Which are the best condoms?
  
• Are there alternatives?
• How to put condoms on
  
• Freedoms
  
• I don't use condoms but still want to reduce my risks

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