What kind of sex needs a condom?
Condoms are used forvaginal,analandoralsex. They are needed whether you are having sex with a partner of the opposite gender than you or the same gender, or multiple people!
Why is it important to talk about condoms?
Not everyone is willing to use condoms, so don’t assume that your partner will want to or have one to hand. The only way to know is to talk about it. Agreeing to use a condom or not is also part of consenting to have sex.
Who should bring up the topic of condoms?
Both people are responsible for talking aboutcontraceptionsuch as condoms not just a man or just a woman. In some cultures, it is especially hard for women to talk about condoms because the man holds the power in the relationship.
How should I bring up the topic of condoms?
It’s normal to feel awkward or embarrassed to talk about condoms, but it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are some ideas to help you decide when and how to bring it up:
Bring it up sooner rather than later
: It’s best to talk about condoms before you start having sex. This will mean you know what to expect and won’t get carried away in the heat of the moment.
Ask questions
: Do you use condoms? What kind of condoms do you like? Do you like flavoured or textured condoms? Do you have a condom with you?
Explain why you’re bringing it up
: It isn’t a sign that you don’t trust them – it’s a way of showing you care and that you want to protect you both.
Be direct
: Tell your partner that you will only have sex if you use a condom because you want to protect both of you.
Remember the details:
Talk about who will get the condoms and from where.
What can I say to persuade someone who doesn’t want to use a condom?
You can still have great sex with a condom
: Explain that you can make condoms part of the fun by putting it on for them, using flavoured or textured condoms, and knowing that you can both relax as you don’t have to worry about your health.
Using a condom shows you care:
Explain that a good partner will want to take care of their own and their partner’s sexual health. It shows they care if they use a condom.
Condoms don’t harm our health in any way:
Explain that there are no negatives to using condoms, but not using them could result inpregnancy,STIsandHIV.
Condoms are not costly and are easily available
: Explain that they are often available free from sexual health clinics or healthcare professionals. They are also sold in many shops and pharmacies.
Try to dispel any myths:
Some people believe myths about condoms like they aren’t ‘manly’.You could try to explain that they’re not true. Other people may have religious reasons for not wanting to use a condom.
