This week our specialists Jake Jenkins and Jenna Thomas from 56 Dean Street talk about condoms.
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Dear TGUK & 56DS Everyone says that If you want a safer sex, you have to use condom. But can it prevent all diseases? Best Jimmie
Dear Jimmie
Having safer sex means having sex that has less risk of catching or passing on an STI.
Using a condom is the best way to do this, however, it doesn’t completely prevent you from catching an STI. Lots of things can affect how likely you are to catch an STI such as a condom slipping or breaking during sex and contact during foreplay such as rubbing, masturbating each other, and oral sex.
A few things that can help are ensuring a condom is used from start to finish during penetration, using latex condom-friendly lubricant (such as water or silicone-based), and regular screening for STIs.
Do not use Vaseline or oil-based lubricants. Don’t forget one of the best ways to protect yourself is to know your status. Book a sexual health check regularly to make sure you’re always in the know.
Even if you do everything right accidents can happen so it’s good to know about PEP, this is a course of medication you may be able to take if you have been at high risk of HIV. Or indeed check out your options surrounding PrEP.
Once you’ve removed your penis (while still hard) from your partner’s ass, you should roll the Johnny up from the base of your penis towards the end. Sometimes the receptive partner might do this for you, especially if the end of the condom has become a little dirty during sex. Be careful here, because the condom will tend to go inside out as you’re pulling it away from the body – which isn’t so great when the tip of it is full of jizz.
Make sure to have a tissue to hand and as you take the condom from your cock, place the condom into the tissue and fold over the tissue to encase it. Some people like to tie a knot in the condom, so the man mayo doesn’t leak into your bin.
Then… Chuck it in the bin. Do not put it down the toilet.
Can we flush used condoms in the toilet after use?
Have you seen those fatbergs they’re pulling out of the sewers? Yep, that’s a nasty concoction of condoms, wet wipes and sanitary products and poop all rolled up in fat. It’s not nice and because condoms are mostly latex, they don’t degrade – your trusty condom could be around for decades before it’s broken down. Not so good for the waterways and the planet.
Once you’ve removed your penis (while still hard) from your partner’s ass, you should roll the Johnny up from the base of your penis towards the end. Sometimes the receptive partner might do this for you, especially if the end of the condom has become a little dirty during sex. Be careful here, because the condom will tend to go inside out as you’re pulling it away from the body – which isn’t so great when the tip of it is full of jizz.
Make sure to have a tissue to hand and as you take the condom from your cock, place the condom into the tissue and fold over the tissue to encase it. Some people like to tie a knot in the condom, so the man mayo doesn’t leak into your bin.
Then… Chuck it in the bin. Do not put it down the toilet.
Have you seen those fatbergs they’re pulling out of the sewers? Yep, that’s a nasty concoction of condoms, wet wipes and sanitary products and poop all rolled up in fat. It’s not nice and because condoms are mostly latex, they don’t degrade – your trusty condom could be around for decades before it’s broken down. Not so good for the waterways and the planet.
A reader asks how he can still have sexy time with his man but make sure that they leave no trace for the inlaws to find.
DEAR UNC
This Christmas my partner and I are staying at his parents, of course, because we’re randy f**kers I want to make sure we can still have sex, even if it is just a fumble between the sheets. What can we do to make sure that the inlaws don’t find our cummy rags or tissues?
Gavin, Totteridge
Dear Gavin,
Have you ever heard of the Rich Man’s Wank? I implore you to employ the RMW technique this Christmas. It’s very simple.
When you have your fumble under the sheets, instead of cumming over yourself (which you then have to wipe down – leaving crusty evidence for the inlaws to find) use a condom.
Yes, sometimes it escapes us, but the humble condom has more than the two normal uses (sexually transmitted disease protection – and blow up balloons at prides), yes you can use it as a semen collector – which, let’s face it, is what its main function actually is.
When you’re done, tie a knot at the opening – come the morning, simply pocket that Jonny, complete with all your little swimmers and flush it (you’re not supposed to do that) so you can bin it in a wrap of tissues.
Can condoms protect you from every sexually transmitted disease? A reader asks the experts at one of the UK’s busiest sexual health clinics, 56 Dean Street.
Dear TGUK
Everyone says that If you want safer sex, you have to use a condom. But can it prevent all diseases?
Best Jimmie
Having safer sex means having sex which has less risk of catching or passing on an STI.
Using a condom is the best way to do this, however, it doesn’t completely prevent you from catching an STI. Lots of things can affect how likely you are to catch an STI such as a condom slipping or breaking during sex and contact during foreplay such as rubbing, masturbating each other and oral sex. A few things that can help are ensuring a condom is used from start to finish during penetration, using latex condom friendly lubricant (such as water or silicone based) and regular screening for STIs.
Do not use Vaseline or oil-based lubricants. You can walk in for an HIV test and Hepatitis B vaccines any time at 56 Dean Street and can make an appointment for a full screen. However, if you are under the age of 20 you can walk into the clinic at any time for a full screen. There is also a dedicated service for young people which runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening, details of this can be found on the website.
Even if you do everything right accidents can happen so it’s good to know about PEP, this is a course of medication you may be able to take if you have been at high risk of HIV. You can also walk into the clinic to discuss PEP with a member of staff.
Have you got a dilemma you’d like our team of specialist to help you with? Click here.
Condoms are a great way to enjoy safer sex – but are flavoured condoms any less safe?
Flavoured condoms have been around for decades, in fact ever since johnnies started to be made from latex, manufacturers started to get inventive. Most major condom manufacturers now create flavoured ones and some are getting creative with flavours – last year we were introduced to the gin and tonic flavoured condom. But you’re more likely to come across more simplistic fruit-based flavours. Skins condoms, for instance, have a multipack that has mint, bubblegum, banana and strawberry.
Condoms still remain one of the safest ways to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections – which you can still get from oral sex – which is why flavoured condoms are a thing. Have you ever tried tasting a non-flavoured one? Take it from me, it’s disgusting and tastes very chemical.
BJs are low-risk, but not risk-free
Sexual health specialists, Jake Jenkins from the 56 Dean Street sexual health clinic told us, “Oral sex is considered a low-risk activity for catching HIV, especially if you’re on the receiving end of the BJ.
“However it’s not just HIV that you have to consider here. Other nasties like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can be passed on by both receiver and giver, and might not even show symptoms, however, all these infections can be treated effectively if caught soon enough”.
There are two main types of herpes, HSV1 and HSV2. HSV stands for Herpes Simplex Virus. HSV1 tends to affect the mouth. HSV2 tends to affect the anus or vagina, both, however, are transmitted by direct touch contact.
So yes, you can get herpes (on your genitals) from someone who has a cold sore.
Putting a protective barrier over the penis will provide protection.
Even so, you want to make sure that the condoms you use are in date and carry the British and European safety standard marks. The CE and Kite marks demonstrate that the condoms are safe to use, it is authorised by the British Standards Institution it also means it meets the requirements of the Medical Device Directive.
Make sure they are also in date and that the packaging looks intact and untampered with. Each pack should have a best before date.
A condom (male or female) is an artificial barrier which stops bodily fluids from mixing between one person to another during sexual activity. They remain the best way of stopping the spread of various sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
Condoms can be made out of latex, polyurethane or lambskin.
There are female condoms – which come in two types. One which is inserted into the vagina. They can be put inside up to eight hours before sex.
There is also the dental dam, usually a rectangle piece of latex, which covers the vaginal or anal area and acts as a barrier between someone’s mouth and vagina or anus.
And then there are male condoms are put on over the top of an erect penis and act as a barrier between a vagina, anus or mouth. Fluids from the penis are collected inside the tip of the condom.
When used correctly condoms can be the most effective means of stopping sexually transmitted infections.
Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.
Passport, check. Tickets, check. Travel insurance, check. Condoms? If you’re travelling you may not want to jinx your chances of overseas escapades by packing condoms, and while I would sternly disapprove of that, there is something to be said of sampling some of the local delights.
If you’re not bashful about buying condoms in countries where you can’t speak the language, you may be in for a real treat when it comes to wrapping your Johnny in something a little more… continental. Here are some of the weird wonderful condoms that you can only get in other countries.
1. TheyFit – custom fit condoms from Europe
TheyFit Custom-Fit Condoms
All men are created equal. In character perhaps, but not in girth. Many men complain about condoms that don’t fit properly, either cutting off their circulation or slipping off mid-thrust. But just like in the story of Goldicocks, these condoms are juuuuust right.
TheyFit currently make 66 different condom sizes – 10 different lengths, and 10 different nominal widths – in order to create the perfect fit, which feels better during sex. There’s even a downloadable Fit Kit on their website so that you can size yourself at home.
Sagami Original create the world’s thinnest condoms
To say these condoms are razor thin is actually doing them a disservice, as they’re far thinner than that. Sagami Originals boast a thickness of just .01mm. Putting that in some context, the average human hair is about .06mm thick. This featherweight rubber had supposedly been tested over 200,000 times in the before hitting the market, so while it may be so thin that you can’t even see it very well, you can be sure that they will be doing their job.
3. The spray on condom from Germany
Those kooky Germans would of course be the ones to create a spray on condom. Don’t get too excited though, because this product didn’t actually make it to market. Originally introduced in 2008, the spray-on condom was a hard plastic tube (giggedy) that would spray liquid latex onto the penis when it was inserted into it… the tube that is. A more perfectly snug fit couldn’t be possible, sounds good right? However, with no room left for the reservoir tip, and 3 excruciatingly awkward minutes for the latex to dry, the spray-on condom was never meant to be.
4. Biodegradable condoms from France
For the environmentally conscious lovers out there, The Original Condom originated in, where else, Condom, in France. In addition to being biodegradable, the manufacturing company shares a portion of its profits with HIV awareness prevention research and NGOs. These luxury condoms will make you feel like you’re giving back to the community every time you bone
5. The condom with a 4-second applicator from South Africa
Despite how porn makes it seem that condoms just magically appear on the end of a dick, it can often still be an awkward moment if you’re not 100% sure what you’re doing. So instead of getting kids to practice with bananas, South African innovators developed the 4Secs Condom Applicator. The applicator comes with a condom each and even has raised bumps to ensure you put it on easily in the dark. GENIUS!
6. Condoms where the wrapper is the applicator, also from South Africa
Determined to make condoms even easier to use, those little geniuses in South Africa created the Pronto Condom, which is unique in that the patented applicator is actually attached to the wrapper. You just crack the wrapper in half and begin to apply it to your penis, rolling it down as per usual.
The Pronto Condom was developed to prevent that common Condom Wrapper Limp Dick syndrome that affects a lot of men right before sex. To maintain the passion and sufficient turgidity, the Pronto Condom takes about 3 seconds to put on.
Just don’t get it confused with the flavour packet from your Super Noodles. That could cause problems.
7. The musical condom from the Ukraine
OK, this one may or may not exist, but just imagine if it did. In 2006, Hryhory Chausovsky was said to have invented a new type of condom that plays music during sex. There was a rumour posted on Oh Gizmo saying that “a miniature loudspeaker and motion sensor implanted in the condom’s upper cuff provides a range of musical tones during sex. Music volume depends on intensity of love-making and tone varies based on the sexual position.”
This could all be rumours or the pipe-dreams of a mad man, but just think about humping to your own sexual theme music. What a world we live in.
Personally, this excites me… as I am a vegetarian.
Yep, there are now vegan condoms. So now, if you’re of a veggie persuasion you’ll be protected should you wish you slap some vegan goodness on your meat (sorry) and confine your man mayo (sorry) to the tip of a rubber johnny.
The condoms have been created by Swiss entrepreneur and chemical engineer Gabrielle Lods who said,
“In 2017, everyone should know the components and how everything they consume is produced.
Awareness is rising for certain product categories such as food or cosmetics. For others, it takes longer, but eventually it will also happen.”
So what do we know about these condoms – well they are gluten free, have no casein, are paraben free and well, vegan. Apparently, they have no taste or smell and are CE certified.
So the next time you’re looking for a condom for your salami (sorry) then try the Green Condom Club
Condoms have had a lot of negativity thrown at them, for destroying the moment of passion whilst you fiddle around with lubed fingers trying to put one on, to wondering why you bothered getting excited in the first place because it now feels like you’re wearing a mini Michelin Man down there.
Sponsored by THEGAYSHOP
However, condoms are still one of the most effective ways of preventing STI infections spreading and the makers themselves have researched and invested in new technologies to make you get the most out of your sexual experiences whilst still being protected. We’ve taken a look at 5 of the newest brands out there to make you fall in love with the condom again without losing that moment of passion.
No.1 – The Handy One – Wingman Condoms
We all love a helping hand in the bedroom and these Wingman condoms feature a clever plastic handle so you can slip it on with just one hand, perfectly, every time. This leaves the other hand free to continue the action whilst you seamlessly protect yourself ready for the main event. Available Here – £9.99 (12 pack)
No.2 – The Thin One – Durex Invisible
Durex is one of the most well-known brands out there and their new Invisible Extra Thin condoms are both strong and offer a feeling of wearing nothing at all, letting you get as close as possible to your partner whilst still being protected. Available Here – £14.99 (12 pack)
No.3 – Bee Inspired – LELO Hex Condoms
Drop everything… literally. The condom really has been re-invented here by the clever team behind LELO Hex. Made up of 350 connecting hexagons, the structure gives a more sensitive and intimate sensation with a secure grip. Smooth on the outside and textured on the inside for an enhanced pleasure.
No.4 – Fancy A Snack? – Skins Flavoured condoms
Skins flavoured condoms are here for those who like a nibble in the bedroom. This multi-pack comes with Banana, Strawberry, Bubblegum, and Mint flavoured condoms for those who enjoy a fruity mouthful. Available Here – RRP £8.99 (12 pack)
No.5 – Size Queen – My.Size Condoms
If you’ve had problems fitting in then it may be because you’re using the wrong size condom. My.Size condoms are available in 7 sizes depending on the girth of your member. Simply measure your width in centimetres, or get someone else to, and find your perfect fit. No more squeezing into a regular for you! RRP £8.99 (10 pack)
As STI infections soar in gay and bisexual men across the UK, a poll released by GMFA shows that a staggering 39 per cent of gay and bisexual men are having unprotected sex.
Nearly 40 per cent of gay and bisexual men are having unprotected anal sex the majority of the time. A poll by GMFA has revealed that condom usage has “slipped back” since the early days of HIV and the height of the AIDS epidemic.
Of the 40 per cent that have unprotected sex 49 per cent of them identified their relationship status as single, dating or in an open relationship.
Despite the lack of protection nearly half of those surveyed also stated that they do in fact worry about STI infections and becoming infected with HIV.
Matthew Hodson [outgoing CEO] of GMFA said,
“Condom use has slipped back a little since the early days of HIV, partly because HIV is no longer a death sentence, and partly because we’re not seeing the same investment in sexual health that we saw a decade ago. With resources deployed to promote condoms and sexual health, encourage testing, challenge stigma, ensure that all gay men are well educated about HIV prevention and PrEP provided, we could end HIV within a generation.”
The latest issue of GMFA’s FS examines the current state of sexual health of gay and bi men in the UK. According to the editor, Issue 155 takes an honest look at how much unprotected sex they are actually having, and asks the question: do we need to rethink HIV prevention?
Ian Howley, [incoming Interim CEO] of GMFA believes that relationship status has to be taken into account,
“We know that the majority of gay and bisexual men use condoms some of the time. There is an idea out there that everyone doesn’t use condoms, and for a lot of people who responded to this survey this is the case. But many of these men are in long term relationships, or are married/civil partnered or said they were in a monogamous relationship. When you look at these stats, it’s only a small percentage of gay men, who are having lots of unprotected anal sex, who are at a high level of risk.”
