Condoms, gloves and lube
Condoms and gloves are safe ways to protect yourself and protect your partners. Lubricant increases sensation and reduces irritation.
Condoms
Condoms are a very effective prevention method against HIV and STBBIs, as long as they’re used correctly and for the entire time of penetration. Condoms can also prevent pregnancy.
Condoms must be stored at room temperature and must not be crushed (like in a wallet), as they risk wearing or breaking, even if the package is still sealed. Also, change condoms if you move from anal sex to vaginal or frontal sex, and if you change partners.
What’s the proper way to use a condom?
1.Check the expiry date on the package.
2.If the condom is still good, open the package, taking care not to tear the condom.
3.Pinch the tip of the condom, place it on the tip of your hard penis, and unroll it all the way down to the base of the penis.
o If you’re not circumcised, pull your foreskin back before putting on the condom.
4.Use the condom for the entire time of penetration.
5.After ejaculating, pull out while your penis is still hard. To prevent the sperm from leaking out, hold the base of the condom while pulling out.
How do you choose what type of condom to use?
Condoms come in different sizes, textures, thicknesses, colours and flavours (for oral sex). Some condoms can increase your sensation or help you last longer. The best way to choose the type that suits you best is to try a wide range.
In terms of materials, a variety of kinds are available:
- Latex condoms: Condoms made of latex are the most common.
- Latex-free condoms: Perfect for people who are allergic to latex, these condoms are made of polyurethane and polyisoprene.
- Lambskin condoms: These condoms are not recommended, as they do not protect against HIV or STBBIs. However, they do protect against pregnancy.
Lubes
Lubes make penetration easier, increase pleasure and reduce the risk of irritation and condom breakage.
In addition to making penetration pleasurable for the bottom, putting a few drops of lubricant on the head of your penis before putting on a condom can increase your pleasure. Lubricant doesn’t protect you against HIV or other STBBIs. However, lube reduces the risk of irritation and lesions to the anus, which can allow virus and bacteria to enter the body. Don’t hesitate to use more… and more!
There are various kinds of lubricant:
Silicone-based
- Good for anal sex. A silicone-based lube is more slippery than a water-based lube, and you don’t need to reapply as often.
- It can be used with latex and latex-free condoms.
- Don’t use it with silicone toys. A silicone-based lubricant can harm a silicone toy.
Water-based
- Can be used with latex and latex-free condoms.
- It lasts for a shorter time, and must be reapplied more often. For this reason, it’s less recommended for anal sex.
- Compatible with silicone sex toys.
- Careful: If the water-based lube contains glycerin, it may cause more yeast infections for people with vaginas or front holes.
Oil-based (Vaseline, massage oil, Crisco)
- An oil-based lube can cause irritations and infections if it enters an orifice (meaning it goes inside the body).
- For this reason, it’s best used for masturbating a penis.
- Don’t use oil-based lube with latex; it risks tearing the latex or weakening it (causing small, invisible holes). If you do use oil-based lubes for fisting or anal penetration, choose non-latex gloves or condoms (made of polyurethane, polyisoprene or, for gloves, nitrile).
Make sure to choose a lube that’s compatible with the condoms and gloves you’re using. You can find condoms, lubes and gloves in all pharmacies and sex shops in Québec.
In Montréal, there are specialized boutiques in the Gay Village:
- Priape: 1311 Rue Ste-Catherine Est (metro Beaudry)
- Wega: 930 Rue Ste-Catherine Est (metro Berri)
- Armada par The Men’s Room: 1201 Rue Ste-Catherine Est (metro Beaudry)
You can also order free safer sex supplies for sex parties from Kontak.
Gloves
Gloves are recommended for:
As with condoms, there are both latex and latex-free gloves. For condoms and gloves, uses a compatible lubricant.