Condoms + Lube

A beginner’s guide to condoms

How to use a condom (video guide)

1. Check the use-by date on the condom wrapper – if it’s expired, throw it out and use a new one.
2. Tear along the serrated edge. Don’t use your teeth, as that can damage the condom.
3. Make sure the condom is the right way up before you put it on your dick. The rim should be on the outside, so it looks like a little hat.
4. Pinch the tip to squeeze out any air, and place the condom on the end of your erect cock.
5. Use both hands to roll the condom down to the base of your shaft. Squeeze out any trapped air, lube it up and you’re ready to go!
   

Finding your perfect fit

It’s important you feel confident and comfortable in your condom. To find your perfect fit try different condoms (we have four sizes you can order), play around with them and get a feel for which ones work best for you. 

• Size: most guys are fine with standard size, but try other sizes if your condom feels too loose or is uncomfortably tight.
• Thinner or thicker: thinner condoms have a more intense feel and are just as effective at blocking HIV, even for anal sex. Thicker condoms can reduce sensitivity but can help you last longer.
• Find condoms itchy or uncomfortable? You might be allergic to latex. Have a look for non-latex (usually polyisoprene) condoms, which are made by a number of condom companies.

The four condom sizes we offer for free are:
49mm – Moment
53mm – Moments
56mm - Gold Knight Ultra Thin
60mm – Gold Knight

Where to find condoms

Condoms and lube are available for free in many gay bars and sex-on-site venues, and you can find them all over Aotearoa using our Condom Locator Map. You can also buy condoms and lube at any service station, chemist or supermarket, or order them free online here. They are also available on prescription from a GP or sexual health service.

Lube

Lube keeps things nice and smooth while you are having sex and also reduces the risk of condoms breaking. There are three main kinds of lube – water-based, silicon-based and water/silicon-based. Try a few different brands to see what you really like. Don’t use oil-based lube with condoms, as it can break down the latex and cause them break.

Pro-tip: Make sure your lube is already close at hand before you get started and keep it nearby to reapply if things dry up!

Tips for getting it right

Once you get used to putting condoms on it becomes second-nature – but the first few times aren’t always so easy. Here are a few tips:

• Try using a condom when you jack off. It’ll help you learn to put them on quickly, as well as get you used to the feeling of wearing them.
• Put a few drops of lube in the top of the condom before you put it on. This will give you extra sensation during sex. But, be careful not to use too much, or the condom may slip off!
• Make sure you have the right fit and feel.
• Learn to put one on with your mouth - just keep your teeth clear!
• Wear a cock ring.
• Keep condoms handy – so looking around for them doesn’t disrupt the action.
• Tear the packet open a little way before you get down to business, so you aren’t fiddling around later on with lube on your fingers.
• Get your partner to put the condom on for you – make it a fun part of sex!
  

During the action

While you're having sex, remember to check and make sure the condom hasn’t broken and that you have enough lube. You or your partner/s can stop and pull out to check if you aren’t sure.

If a condom breaks, tears or rips, staying calm is always a good first step. If you’re concerned that the condom breaking may have put you at risk of HIV, then you need to get tested, and should consider getting on PEP as soon as you can.