To practice safer sex:

  • Use a latex or polyurethane condom correctly every time you have vaginal or anal sex.
  • Use only water-based or silicone-based  (Oil-based lubricants can make latex condoms break.)
  • Get tested for STIs regularly. Having an STI increases your risk of getting and passing on HIV.
  • Avoid sharing sex toys, and if you do, cover each one with a new condom before each use. It is also important to clean your toys between vaginal and anal use.
  • Use a condom or dental dam every time you have oral sex.
  • Choose forms of sexual stimulation that pose little or no risk for HIV, like masturbation or sensual massage.

* This content was originally published by CATIE, Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information. http://catie.ca/en/basics

Condoms and Their Use in Preventing HIV Infection and Other STIs

  • Condoms must be used consistently and correctly to provide maximum protection
  • Condoms are effective in preventing HIV and other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).
  • Condoms users have product options
  • Education about condom efficacy does not promote sexual activity
  • Abstinence is most effective in the prevention against HIV and other STIs

Basic “CONDOM SENSE”

Latex condoms can protect from HIV, sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.

One: Keep a supply of latex condoms, in a safe, cool, dry place. Check expiry date before use. Open packet carefully.

Two: As soon as the penis is hard, put the condom on with the rolled-up ring on the outside. Keep the end gently pinched leaving space at the tip to hold semen.

Three: Unroll the condom gently all the way down to the hair.

Four: If additional lubrication is required, use a water-based lubricant. Do not use oil-based lubricants, i.e. Vaseline, massage oil, butter, etc. (Nonoxynol-9 products may cause irritation during vaginal sex, and should never be used for anal sex).

Five: Pull out slowly after ejaculation, holding condom firmly at the base of the hard penis. Move the penis well away from your partner and carefully remove the condom.

Six: Wrap condom in a tissue and throw away in the garbage. Do not flush! Never reuse a condom.

Prevention is the only way to stop the spread of HIV! You can get condoms from both the Sexual Health Center and AIDS Moncton.

* This content was originally published by CATIE, Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information. http://catie.ca/en/basics