Condoms & Lube

Condoms

Condoms come in different shapes, sizes and styles. If you use condoms, finding the right fit can help make sex feel more pleasurable, while providing the best protection in terms of HIV and STIs. 

If you’re unsure about which option to go for, it’s a good idea to try a range of different condoms to see which one feels most comfortable for you.  

If you’re new to using condoms, practicing by yourself can help you feel more confident when the time comes to use them with a partner. 

Lube

Using the right lube is just as important as finding the right condom. Lube can make sex feel more comfortable and pleasurable, and reduces the chances of a condom splitting.  

If you are using latex condoms, the most important thing with lube is to ensure it is either water or silicone based. Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms and cause them to split.  

Local sexual health services across Scotland provide free access to condoms and lube for anyone who needs them.  

These free condom schemes will either involve collecting condoms from local venues (e.g. pharmacies/community centres/colleges) or through the post in plain packaging. 

Follow the links below to find out about the free condom schemes in your area: 

• Edinburgh and Lothian
• Greater Glasgow and Clyde 
• Ayrshire & Arran
• Dumfries & Galloway 
• Forth Valley
• Fife
• Grampian
• Highland and Argyll & Bute 
• Lanarkshire
• Orkney 
• Scottish Borders
• Shetland 
• Tayside
• Western Isles 

You can also buy condoms and lube from supermarkets, pharmacies and many other retailers. Just make sure that the condoms you choose have either the BSI Kitemark or the European CE mark, to make sure they meet safety standards. If you feel anxious about buying them, consider going to a store that has a self checkout, such as Boots or a supermarket. You should never be asked for ID to buy condoms. 

Used correctly, condoms provide excellent protection against HIV and STIs. To ensure that is the case, here are some general tips to get the most out of condoms: 

• Check the packaging – before using a condom, look for an expiry date and check for any damage to the packaging. If it’s past its date or the package is worn, don’t use it. 
• Use the right size – If a condom’s too tight, it’ll be uncomfortable to put on. Too loose, and it’ll slip off during sex.  
• Use one at a time – Using two condoms at once doesn’t increase the protection. In fact, it can cause extra friction that can cause the condoms to split. 
• Watch out for tears – Sharp edges from fingernails, jewellery or teeth can all potentially cause tears to condoms. Be careful when opening and using them.  
• Putting the condom on – Condoms are designed to go on the penis when it is fully erect. Place the condom on the head of the penis, pinching the tip to avoid an air bubble, and roll it down. 
• After you cum – Hold the base of the condom when withdrawing from your partner and carefully remove it, avoiding any spillages. Dispose of the condom hygienically. 
• Insertable condoms – If you prefer to use an insertable condom, you can find advice on how to use them for vaginal/front-hole sex or anal sex. 

Oral sex has a relatively low risk of HIV, but most other common STIs, including syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can be transmitted in this way.

If you have a cold sore, do not give anyone oral sex (even with a condom) until it has completely healed, which could take anywhere between 10 days and three weeks, as this could give your partner genital herpes. 

Condoms and dental dams provide effective protection from STIs during oral sex, but in practice, we know that most people tend not to use them. 

If you choose not to use condoms for oral sex, regular testing is a good option to make sure that any STIs are diagnosed and treated quickly. 

Using condoms is about personal preference, and there are plenty of legitimate reasons why people may choose not to use them.  

Issues like erectile dysfunction and a loss of intimacy or sensation are common concerns associated with using condoms. Trying different styles and sizes of condoms can sometimes overcome these issues, but not always. 

If you prefer not to use condoms, that is a valid choice, and there are still things you can do to keep an eye on your sexual health. 

• Talking to partners about sex and consent – Decisions on condom use should be part of the conversation we have with partners about sex. Talking openly and honestly about our preferences can help ensure we can enjoy pleasurable, consensual sex. 
• Regular testing – If you’re not using condoms, regular sexual health testing will keep you in control of your sexual health, meaning any infections are diagnosed and treated early. 
• PrEP – If you are not using condoms and are having regular anal or vaginal/front hole sex, PrEP is available to prevent HIV infection. 

Stealthing refers to someone removing their condom during sex without the consent and/or knowledge of their partner.

Not only does stealthing remove the protection against HIV and other STIs for both partners, but it is also against the law.

If this has happened to you, it is normal that you might feel upset, angry, confused, or a number of other uncomfortable feelings. Remember, it is not your fault.