What is safer sex?
		Using a condom: be aware of this!
		Lubricant
		What lubricant is safe to use?
		How do I put a condom on?
		What if we are both poitive?

Gay sex is more than just fucking. It can also involve other things such as wanking, sucking, licking, rimming. Safer sex is also more than just using a condom, it can also involve your feelings, thoughts and assumptions about other men and sex.

Remember, many men with HIV do not know they have the virus and may assume that they are uninfected. If someone does not bring up the subject of condoms, don`t assume that they are uninfected. They may have assumed that you are the same HIV status as them.

Using a condom is not just about preventing HIV transmission, it can help prevent the transmission of certain Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI`s) and for bi sexual men, condoms can help prevent pregnancies.

If you decide to use a condom when having anal sex, using them correctly and (hopefully) every time you have anal sex is an important part of safer sex practice.

Research has shown that the thickness of the condom you use for gay sex is less important than correct use of the condom.  The best advice is to follow the instructions for the use of the condom and make sure that the condom packet carries an appropriate kite mark and is not out of date.  you will find that the condom packs available through venues still contain ultra strong condoms, but you can also get regular, Large and Trim condoms through the post from TEN by calling us or requesting them through this website.

Condoms are also available from your local chemist, your local gum/sexual health clinic or some local pubs and clubs (see list) in Norfolk.

Is it within the use by date on the foil wrapper?

Has it been kept in a cool place (not the fridge),
as condoms deteriorate rapidly in warm temperatures?

Does it have the British Standard kite mark
or the European CEN mark?

Is it the right size for me? Condoms come in different lengths, widths and shapes, so there should be a size that fits you best.

Some condoms come with a small amount of lubricant on them and others do not have any at all. When having sex, you will need to use more lubricant (lube) than is on the condom. Lubricants help make the penetration more comfortable and will help ensure that the condom does not break.

Lubericant should be used on the condom and the anus. Do not put lube in the condom itself.

Lubricants to use include, KY jelly, wet stuff, Duragel, Astroglide and Probe. A lube needs to be water based (contains no oil) as oil will damage the rubber and the condom could break.

Carefully tear one corner of the foil wrapper to avoid damaging the condom.

Holding the condom by the teat, squeze it as you roll the condom down the hard cock`s shaft. Squeezing the teat expels any trapped air allowing room for the cum. Smear plenty of water based lube up and around his arse, then put loads on the condom. Whilst fucking check the condom is not slipping off.

When you`ve finished hold onto the bottom of the condom so it does not slip off. Remove carefully, and tie a knot in the end.

Dispose of condoms by chucking them in the bin. Don`t put condoms down the toilet as they can cause blockages.

Here is a quick guide to putting on
(and taking off) a condom ...

Open carefully (rings and fingernails could damage the condom).

Check that the condom is the right way up.

If the condom has a teat, squeeze the air our before putting it on the cock.

Put the condom on after the cock is hard.

Hold the condom over the tip of the cock and with the other hand unroll the condom to the base of the cock. (If you have a foreskin, pull it back before unrolling the condom.)

When shagging, check once in a while to make sure that you have enough lubricant.

After coming, withdraw the cock before it becomes soft and hold the base to prevent slippage.

Dispose of the condom (not down the loo as it causes blockages).

Important: If you are having more that one partner at the same time change condoms between men. Don`t use two condoms at once as the friction may cause them to break.

Positive partners can face the same dilemmas around safer sex. What you need to be aware of is that you could pass on or become infected with a strain of HIV that is resistant to treatment with some of the current anti HIV drugs. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI`s) can also be more difficult to treat if your immune system is damaged (see our links page for further information).