ENSURE YOUR SAFETY -- USE A CONDOM THE RIGHT WAY

NGO worker showing a condom to the man

When things get up close and personal, the rule is always “better safe than sorry”. If you are sexually active, condoms are must have accessories, and when used correctly, are your best defense against sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies.

A condom is a thin rubber sheath used during sexual intercourse as a contraceptive or as protection against infection. Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Condoms are often described as barrier methods of contraception.

There are the male and female condoms: the male condom is a thin sheath usually made of latex, a type of rubber that is worn on the genitals. On the other hand, the female condom is a polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at either end. One end is closed and inserted into the vagina, the other end is open and the ring sits outside the opening of the vagina. Condoms work by keeping semen, the fluid that contains sperms, from entering into the vagina. The male condom is placed on a guy’s erect genitals before any sexual contact. It usually comes in different flavors like apple, pineapple, orange, and strawberry. Condoms are often distributed free at clinics to encourage safe sex. It is also available at supermarkets and or drugstores. Always check expiry dates before usage.

Interestingly, even if there was a male contraceptive pill, one would wonder if men would take it. Even when a man is on pills, it is only right to opt for condom use to protect one’s self against infections and pregnancy. Most people forget to grab a condom as well as use it correctly. Pulling out half way through is often a disaster as men often leak a bit from the outset, passing on sperm and sometimes sharing diseases.

The guidelines to the correct use of the condom come with the cardboard packet. However, these are some steps to follow:

A female condom

Open the condom wrapper using the easy tear edges which usually has the zigzag on either side of the wrapper. These edges are designed to tear apart quickly and easily. You don’t have to get carried away in your passion, therefore do not shred open the foil. Also, stay away from using your teeth, scissors or any other sharp instrument to open the condom wrapper or you could tear the condom itself. Remember that if the condom is your last and you destroy it, then the party’s over!

1. You need to determine which way the condom is rolled. This can be difficult to do, particularly if you are in the dark. Try to feel it with your fingers instead of trying to see which way by placing one hand on either side. Pinch the rolled ring of the condom between your thumb and fingers and gently roll the condom in one direction with your fingers. If it resists rolling, this is not the direction in which you will want to unroll the condom over the genital. When you gently roll in the other direction and it unrolls, then this is the direction to go.
2. Always make sure that the reservoir at the tip of the condom is pointing in the right direction. The reservoir should already be on the outer tip of the condom but can sometimes become inverted during packaging.
3. Remember to lube it up if the genital is uncircumcised by placing a small drop of water-based lubricant inside the reservoir to make the condom easier to apply to foreskin.
4. Sexual lubrication decreases the risk of damage to not only the condom, but also to those having sex. If your condom is not already lubricated, apply it to both the condom and the other partner.
5. After ejaculation, immediately withdraw and remove condom. Grasp the bottom of the condom with your hand and withdraw, preventing the condom from slipping off or spilling. Do not allow the genital to go flaccid within the condom before withdrawal, as this can cause the condom to fall and remain inside the partner.
6. Dispose of the condom discretely. Tie the open end in a knot to prevent spillage, wrap it in toilet paper or tissue and throw it in a trash can. Note that if your partner has an allergy to latex, you will have to get alternative polyurethane condoms.

Dont’s in Condom Use

Condoms in different colours

• Never reuse a condom. If you take the condom off, don't put it back on again, even if there doesn't seem to be any fluid.
• Do not try to be extra safe by using more than one condom; this causes extra friction which will make the condoms more likely to break.
• Never keep a condom in your wallet "just in case". Body heat and pressure will accelerate the breakdown of the condom in the wallet.
• Don't put a condom on if the package was already nicked or ripped before use.
• Condoms that are made of animal membrane do not protect you as well as others. Stick to latex or polyurethane, or talk to your doctor about your other options.
• Never flush a condom down the toilet, which can cause it to overflow. Having someone remove your used condom from your plumbing is far more embarrassing than wrapping it up and throwing it someplace inconspicuous.
• Remember not to mix oil-based lubrication of any kind (not just store-bought) with latex condoms! Any oil-based substance can very quickly weaken latex and make it break. This includes hand lotion, Vaseline, cold cream, baby oil, and even Chap Stick.
• If improperly used, a condom offers little protection. Even if properly used, there is a small possibility of pregnancy or transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases.
• So observe these tips and ensure your safety for today and many other days to come. Cheers!

- story by Naa Korkoi Essah, member of MCAN