Condom skills
Many of those interested in using fertility awareness as contraception are already skilled condom users. They just want to avoid using them all the time.
Others won't have used condoms for a while (or ever).
If that's you, read the instructions and check out these tips:
Practice
“I can’t come in a condom” sounds like a lame excuse, but it can happen, so:
Hold on
Lingering after ejaculation can mean the condom falls off and you have to handle panicked extraction from vagina, and all that follows, including emergency contraception, so:
Avoid breakages
Condoms can break if they're past the use by date or stored incorrectly. It's also important to:
This probably means Skyn condoms (not an affiliate link). They're annoyingly expensive but Rebecca Reid describes them as "less condom-y than other condoms" in her (old but funny and still relevant) review of UK condoms.
That said, other brands are available and might suit you perfectly well. If you're under 25 and live in the UK (not Northern Ireland) you can get free condoms and emergency contraception with the c card scheme. Google "c card” to find your local supplier.
Keep a "just in case" supply of emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is an important option if a condom fails.
You should be able to get a free "just in case" supply from your GP, nurse or sexual health clinic. Just tell them you're using condoms as contraception.
At least work out where you'd buy it if you need it. EllaOne is generally considered more effective than Levonelle (BPAS).
If you're too late to take emergency contraception pills, you can use an IUD as emergency contraception.
Others won't have used condoms for a while (or ever).
If that's you, read the instructions and check out these tips:
Practice
“I can’t come in a condom” sounds like a lame excuse, but it can happen, so:
- Practice. Masturbation is still sex. Avoid relying on condoms as contraception until you are confident that the condom stays on and you know what you’re doing.
- Get the right size. Ill-fitting condoms increase the chance of losing an erection.
Hold on
Lingering after ejaculation can mean the condom falls off and you have to handle panicked extraction from vagina, and all that follows, including emergency contraception, so:
- Hold on to the base after you’ve come and keep holding on while you slide yourself out.
- Get the right size. The wrong size condom can fall off in the middle of sex.
- Use the right amount of lube. Too much can mean it falls off.
Avoid breakages
Condoms can break if they're past the use by date or stored incorrectly. It's also important to:
- Use water or silicone-based lube. Oil can weaken the latex and make condoms break so keep them away from body lotion, suntan lotion and lipstick.
- Avoid using spit as lube. It isn't slippy enough, and it dries too quickly.
This probably means Skyn condoms (not an affiliate link). They're annoyingly expensive but Rebecca Reid describes them as "less condom-y than other condoms" in her (old but funny and still relevant) review of UK condoms.
That said, other brands are available and might suit you perfectly well. If you're under 25 and live in the UK (not Northern Ireland) you can get free condoms and emergency contraception with the c card scheme. Google "c card” to find your local supplier.
Keep a "just in case" supply of emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is an important option if a condom fails.
You should be able to get a free "just in case" supply from your GP, nurse or sexual health clinic. Just tell them you're using condoms as contraception.
At least work out where you'd buy it if you need it. EllaOne is generally considered more effective than Levonelle (BPAS).
If you're too late to take emergency contraception pills, you can use an IUD as emergency contraception.