Whether you’re new to it or (in your opinion) an expert, you’re a man and the urge is destined to come. Whatever the case may be, if you’re partaking in sexual activities, rather play it safe.

Condoms are easy to use, freely available and protect against unwanted pregnancies, HIV and STIs.

A few things you should know about your rubber friends:

• Only use new, tested, high-quality condoms.
• Check the expiry date on the condom wrapper.

Store condoms in a cool, dark, dry place where it is not hot. They should not be baking in the sun either.

• Open the wrapper carefully so that the condom does not tear. Be careful not to tear condoms with long nails, teeth,   other sharp objects or jewellery.
• Use condoms from start to finish during oral, anal or vaginal sex. Pre-ejaculate (“pre-cum”) is not safe with regards to HIV transmission. It also contains the virus. The condom should be put on before entry, when the penis is erect.
• Always use male condoms when performing oral sex on a man.
• Never use oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline or baby oil with male condoms. If extra lubrication is needed, use water-based lubricants.

• Make sure the condom is the right way around. First unroll it a little bit to check the direction in which it unrolls. It should roll down easily.
• If the male is not circumcised, pull the foreskin of the penis back (gently) before putting on the condom.
• In putting on the condom, squeeze the nipple or empty space at the end of the condom to remove the air. Do not put the condom tightly against the tip of the penis; leave the small empty space at the end of the condom to hold the semen (if this isn’t done correctly, the condom might break).
• Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the penis, to a point as close as possible to the testicles.
• If the condom tears during sex, withdraw the penis immediately and put on a new condom.
• After ejaculation, withdraw the penis while it is still erect. Hold the rim of the condom as you withdraw, so that the condom does not slip off and spill seminal fluid.
• Remove the condom carefully before the penis loses its erection so that seminal fluid does not spill out.

Source: Health24

Pics: Shutterstock