Safer Sex Kit Contents

Welcome to our Safer Sex fact section. This page contains instructions and information about the items in our Safer Sex Kits or that are provided out of the Gender and Sexuality Center.

How to Use a Condom Information About Condoms How to Use Lubricant Information About Lubricant Sexual Health Tips and Facts Dental Dams and Internal Condoms

How to Use a Condom

  1. Check the expiration date of the condom before using.
  2. Gently open the condom wrapper. If the condom is damaged or torn, discard and get a different one.
  3. Pinch the tip of the condom to leave space for semen (which helps prevent the condom from breaking) and place the condom on the head of an erect penis or toy that will be used. If you or your partner are uncircumcised, be sure to pull the foreskin back before placing the condom on the tip of the penis.
  4. Place the condom at an angle for it to easily roll down the penis/toy. If the condom comes in contact with a penis and is not placed in a way that it is easy to roll down, discard the condom and get a new one.
  5. Roll the condom down the shaft of the penis/toy all the way to the base.
  6. After ejaculation, hold onto the rim of the condom and pull the penis out of your partner’s body.
  7. Throw the condom away. Do not flush it down the toilet.

Information About Condoms

  • When used correctly and consistently, condoms reduce the risk of pregnancy and STI transmission.
  • If you are using a condom on a toy with a partner, make sure to remove the condom and get a new one before the toy comes in contact with you or your partner’s mouth or genital area.
  • Condoms kept in a wallet or something that would cause friction can cause the condom to break down.
  • Excessive heat and moisture can damage condoms.
  • Never re-use a condom. A new one should be applied before each activity.
  • Condoms can be used on fingers before manual stimulation. If you will then be touching your own mouth or genital area, make sure to remove the condom and/or apply another one. You can also use latex or latex-free gloves.
  • If you are going to be performing oral stimulation, a condom should be used on a penis/toy. If the stimulation will be on a vulva, vagina, or anus, a condom can be cut long ways down one side and place on the area as a dental dam.

How to Use Lubricant

  1. Decide what type of lubricant to use: oil, water, or silicone. There are also hybrid lubricants that can combine any of the three types.
  2. Keep the lubricant nearby so that it can be used, if needed/desired, throughout the sexual encounter.
  3. You can put a few drops of lubricant into the condom before rolling it onto the penis, or it can be added to the outside of the condom once it is applied.
  4. Lubricant can be used anywhere that extra lubrication is required.

Information About Lubricant

  • Oil-based lubricants (i.e. baby oil, lotion, coconut oil, etc.) cannot be used with latex or non-latex condoms, as it can cause the condom to break down and become ineffective. Lotion should only be used on external areas.
  • Silicone-based lubricants should not be used with any silicone-based sex toy, as it can cause them to break down over time. This can cause pockets in the toy where bacteria can grow.
  • If lubricant is used on any objects, the object should be rinsed off after use.
  • Silicone-based lube is hypoallergenic and lasts a little bit longer than water-based lube. Oil-based lube lasts the longest but can also have a higher rate for infections and irritation.
  • Flavored lubes can contain sugar which can lead to yeast infections in vaginas, so keep a lookout for ingredients and where it is being used.

Sexual Health Tips and Facts

  • Use the bathroom before and after sex. It helps to clear bacteria out of your urethra and can help to prevent urinary tract infections.
  • There are MANY different birth control methods, it’s important to find the best one for you and your partner(s).
  • Sex is not the same for everyone. Find what makes you comfortable and make sure to communicate with sexual partner(s) about your likes, dislikes, wants, and needs. Make sure to also allow the same communication for them.
  • If the condom comes off inside of an orifice, remain calm. Try to use clean fingers to retrieve the condom. If you are unable to retrieve it, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get the condom removed.
  • If you are sexually active with more than one partner, it is important to get tested for STIs often. You can schedule these at the University Health Center or with a healthcare provider.
  • The Withdrawal or “Pull-out” method is not effective at all against STIs. It also can be ineffective against pregnancy due to semen being present in fluids present before ejaculation.

Dental Dams and Internal Condoms

Available in the Gender and Sexuality Center Upon Request

Dental Dams

A dental dam is a 6-inch, square sheet used as a barrier for oral sex, vaginally and anally, to help reduce the transmission of bodily fluids, germs, and sexually transmitted infections. If you do not have a dental dam available, you can use a condom by cutting off the tip, cutting it open down one side, and opening the condom flat. Dental dams or substitutes should be disposed of after use and never reused.

Internal Condoms

An internal condom is similar to an external condom except that it is worn on the inside. It is a pouch that is placed inside the vagina or anus before sex to protect against STIs.