 

(Ed. Note: Once again we present an
article which deals with sexual information
in an honest and often explicit fashion.
Rather than censor what we feel to be
important and potentially life-saving edu-
cational irgformation, we leave our readers
to exercise their own judgment in reading
this piece.)

Most gay and bisexual men know by
now that condoms are a highly effective
means of preventing transmission of HIV
during anal sex. Most of us also know that
unprotected anal intercourse is the sexual
activity with the highest risk of HIV trans-
mission.

But knowing that condoms are neces-
sary in this day and age isn't always enough;
we also need to know the right way to use
them. Just as importantly, we need to know
how to have fun with them.

Let's face it - most of us think of
condoms as a real drag, at least when we
first start using them. It is hard to imagine
anyone who started using condoms be-
cause they enjoyed them. We use them
because they are part of staying alive and
keeping our panners healthy.

Implicit in condom use if areminder of
something most of us don't want to be
reminded of (least of all during something
as intimate as sex) - that we are in the
middle of a major epidemic which is killing
many in our community. That's not exactly
the kind of news that promises a highly
erotic start to an evening together.

With practice and some creativity,
condoms can become a natural and com-
fortable part of sex, and not necessarily the
obstacle they seem to be at first. So,
whether you're a top or a bottom (or a bit of
both), here are some important things to
learn about using condoms for sex.

The thing itself

First, always use a latex condom (that's
why they're called "rubbers" in the first
place). Natural lambskin condoms don't
work to prevent transmission of viruses
because the natural pores are too large to
stop them. Latex condoms don't have these
pores and are able to stop tranmission of
I-HV as well as Hepatitis B and other sexu-
ally transmitted infections.

Second, the right lubrication is ex-
tﬁemély important. Lack of proper or sufﬁ-
cient lubrication is one of the principal
reasons that condoms sometimes break

un ith Condoms!

during sex. Some condoms come prelubri-
cated, but they rarely have enough lube to
last through an entire session of anal sex.
Add more lubrication (and lots of it!) be-
fore and during sex.

That lubrication needs to be a water-
based, water-soluble lubricant (like KY or
similar generic brands). Never use an oil or
petroleum-based product (no Crisco, no
Vaseline, no fancy coconut oils or im-
ported virgin olive oil). Oil-based products
have a chemical interaction with the latex
which can cause the latex to weaken and
break.

Use lots and lots of lubrication, not
onllyli on the condom, but on the anus as
we .

Putting it on

Believe it or not, there is a right way
and a wrong way to put on a condom, and
it makes a difference.

Begin by positioning the condom over
the tip of the erect penis (how you get it that
way is your business). Hold onto the lip of
the condom and begin to unroll it down
along the shaft.

If the penis involved is uncircumcised
(or "uncut"), make sure the foreskin is
pulled back down the shaft before putting
the condom on.

Most condoms come with a small
"reservoir tip" at the end, but some do not.
If you are using one without a reservoir,
make sure you leave a space at the end,
between a quarter and half an inch. If the
condom were to be pulled tightly over the
penis without this space, the force of ejacu-
lation could cause the condom to break.

Roll the condom down the entire shaft
of the penis, as far as it will go. Gently
smooth out air bubbles as you work. You
may also want to push the hairs at the base
of the penis out of the way; otherwise, it
might be painful when removing the con-
dom (and the hairs along with it).

After unrolling, put plenty of lubrica-
tion on the condom, and then you go at it
just as you would otherwise. If for any
reason it seems the condom is drying out
during sex, add more lubricant. If you feel
it breaking or coming off, pull out immedi-
ately and put another one on instead.

When the penis begins to get soft (with
or without ejaculation), withdraw quickly.
Otherwise there is a chance that the con-
dom will slip off inside the partner.

Hold onto the base of the condom

December 1990

 

when pulling out. Take the used condom off
and throw it away. Use a new one if you're
going to have sex again, with the same or
with a different partner.

Making the most of it

While it is one thing to know the me-
chanics of condom use, it is yet another to
make using them feel like a natural and
enjoyable part of having sex. One of the
most common complaints about condoms is

that you have to interrupt sex to put the thing»

on, thereby destroying the spontaneity of
the act.
(continued on next page)

  
 

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