Sexual Health

Condoms

Condom strength

It often used to be said that gay guys had to use stronger condoms for fucking. That's not the case anymore: a recent trial with several hundred gay couples trying out different types of condoms showed that the standard condoms were just as safe as stronger brands. The only thing that made a difference was the amount of lube used. Make sure that when you are fucking you use loads of water-based lube. You can get this free from the Project.

Beware of 'spermicidally lubricated' condoms

These are covered with a chemical called nonoxynol-9 (also known as N9). This is a substance which kills small living things (like sperm), but also can damage cells that line your arse. This can lead to inflammation and make it easier for bugs, like HIV, to get into the bloodstream. Although any condom is much safer than no condom, we would strongly recommend that you avoid choosing spermicidally lubricated if you have a choice. The most commonly sold spermicidally lubricated condom is Durex Extra Safe, which comes in a blue wrapper.

So what can I use?

Avoid condoms that have been damaged (by sharp things in your pocket, or heat, like from a radiator), also condoms that are out of date are more likely to break. Once you've dodged the spermicidally lubricated ones the choice is yours, so if you want a larger condom or a tighter fit (or ribbed ones) you can.

What about lube?

Oil rots rubber very quickly, so if you are using latex condoms (and almost all condoms are made of latex) you will need a water based lube: examples include ID Glide, KY, Maximus and Liquid Silk.

Oil based products to avoid include baby oil, any cooking oil, Vaseline and massage oil. if you want to use any of these lubes then you will need a polyurethane condom. There is only one on the market, which is Durex Avanti, although Femidoms are also made of plastic and can be used like floppy condoms.

So where can I get them?

Healthy Gay Hampshire supplies free condom packs to all gay venues (link to venues) in the area. You can also get free condoms (although not always lube) from the clinics (links to clinics). Most chemists, supermarkets and garages sell a good selection. If you want to order from us use the order form (link). Our standard pack five 'Boys Own' condoms ( a stronger brand) and five sachets of ID Glide lube. We also supply a larger condom, a tighter fitting condom, and a standard size standard strength condom (all made by Pasante)