Barrier Methods of Family Planning 203
Lubricants
Lubricants make the vagina or the condom wet and slippery. They help keep
condoms from breaking and can make sex safer and more enjoyable. Lubricants
should be water based, such as spit (saliva), or K-Y Jelly. Rub the lubricant on the
sides of the condom after it is on the hard penis. A drop of lubricant inside the
tip of a condom can also make it feel better for the man. Do not use cooking
oils, baby oil, mineral oil, petroleum gel, skin lotion, or butter. They can make the
condom break easily.
Remember:
• Use a condom every time you have sex.
• If possible, always use condoms made of latex. They give the
best protection against HIV. Condoms made of sheepskin or
lambskin may not protect against HIV.
• Keep condoms in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Condoms from old or torn packages are more likely to break.
• Use a condom only once. A condom that has been used
before is more likely to break.
• Keep condoms within reach. You are less likely to use them if
you have to stop what you are doing to look for them.
At first, many couples do not like to use condoms. But once
they get used to it, they may even recognize benefits besides
protecting against unwanted pregnancies and STIs. For example,
condoms can help some men last longer before they come.
➤ A woman who is
using another family
planning method
should also use
condoms if she needs
STI protection.
193
encouraging your
partner to use
condoms
3. A fter the man ejaculates, he should
hold on to the rim of the condom
and withdraw from the vagina while
his penis is still hard.
4. T ake off the
condom. Do not let
sperm spill or leak.
5. T ie the condom shut and
dispose of it away from
children and animals.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012