KEEP YOURSELF SAFE
ALWAYS USE CONDOMS
Using condoms for vaginal sex protects you from HIV, Hepatitis B and C and other sexually transmitted infections and prevents pregnancy.
Using condoms for anal sex protects you from HIV, Hepatitis B and C and other sexually transmitted infections.
Using condoms for oral sex protects you from HIV and sexually transmitted infections that can be caught orally.
 
USE BACKUP CONTRACEPTION
If a condom burstsIf you have not been using backup contraception, get emergency contraception within 72 hours. You can get it from a family planning service.
If you know your partner(s) have an infection or they have any symptoms then go for a medical checkup immediately, the doctor may provide preventive treatment.
Go for a sexual health checkup two to seven days after  the condom burst.
 
GOING FOR MEDICAL CHECKUPS
Always follow a doctor’s advice regarding the risk of  infection. 
If you have had a burst condom always tell the doctor about any symptoms your partner had, the doctor may be able to offer you a preventive treatment
 
LOOK AFTER YOUR BODY
If you have a discharge, other symptoms or have abdominal pain, go for a sexual health checkup.
Don’t self prescribe; get a medical checkup to ensure correct treatment.
Always complete any course of treatment prescribed by a doctor, otherwise the infection may come back.
Go for regular sexual health checkups or when you have a condom burst or unsafe sex.
 
Condom TIPS
When buying condoms
Always buy good quality condoms – they can save your life!
Check that they are made from latex or polyurethane. These are the best and the safest.
Check the package is not damaged.
Check the expiry date. If the condom is out of date it is more likely to burst.
 
Keep yourself safe
Avoid any contact between the penis and vagina, anus or mouth before the condom is put on.
Use condoms you have bought or got from someone you trust.  If using a condom supplied by a client check it carefully – some clients interfere with the condoms they bring.
Put the condom on the client yourself – some clients will try to interfere with the condom when putting it on.
 
DOs of condom use
Keep your condoms in a safe place where they will not get damaged; remember: heat can damage condoms.
Use a new condom EVERY TIME you have sex.
Use lubricated condoms for vaginal and anal sex.
ONLY use water-based lubricants with condoms.
Open the packet carefully with your fingers, watch out for sharp or broken fingernails!.
 
DONTs of condom use
Never use baby oil, Vaseline, soap or any other oil-based lubricants - they can cause condoms to burst.
Never open a condom packet with your teeth or scissors – you could accidentally damage the condom.
Never unroll the condom before putting it on –air could get trapped in the tip when you put it on which will make the condom burst.
 
USING CONDOMS
When to put it on
The penis must be hard and fully erect before you put the condom on.
Put the condom on before any sexual contact occurs.
 
Putting the condom on         
Pinch the teat or top 1cm of the condom between your thumb and forefinger, making sure you get all the air out - otherwise the condom may burst.
§          Put the condom on the head of the penis and roll it down the shaft of the penis while holding the tip to make sure no air gets trapped at the top of the condom - otherwise the condom may burst.
§          Make sure you roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis - otherwise it might slip off.
During sex, some sex workers hold the rim of the condom at the base of the penis During sex, to stop the condom slipping off and/or the client interfering with it.
After ejaculation, the penis should be withdrawn from the vagina or anus before it becomes soft.
Hold on to the rim of the condom when the penis is being withdrawn to prevent it slipping off and left in the vagina.
After the penis is withdrawn from the vagina, you or the client can remove the condom and dispose of it safely in a dustbin.
Always dispose of condoms safely. Don’t leave used condoms lying around in public places.
 
Condoms can slip off the penis because
The condom is not rolled down to the base of the penis.
The condom is too big for the penis – you can get small condoms.
The penis is not fully hard before the condom is put on. When you start having sex with the client, always make sure you get the penis as hard as possible before putting the condom on and having sex.
The penis goes soft during sex.
The sex lasts a long time or is rough.
The penis is thicker at the base than at the head.
The client makes the condom slip off because he wants unprotected sex.
To avoid the possibility of the condom riding up and slipping off, and/or to stop clients trying to take the condom off, many sex workers hold the bottom of the condom at the base of the penis during sex.
By doing so, the condom does not ride up and slip off in the vagina and the client cannot interfere with it.
 
Condoms can burst because:
You use an oil based lubricant such as baby oil, massage oil or hand cream.                          
Always use water-based lubricants!
Your vagina is dry and there is not enough lubrication – always use water-based lubricant,  it can make the sex less painful as well as reducing the possibility of the condom bursting.
They are too old.  Always check the use by date on the packet!
They have been damaged by your nails or teeth when opening the packet. Always open the condom packet carefully!
The penis is too big for the condom – you can get extra large condoms.
The sex lasts a long time or is rough – always use lots of water-based lubricant since it will reduce the possibility of the condom bursting.
You use two condoms at the same time thinking it will give more protection; condoms can burst when they rub up against each other. Always use only one condom and for extra protection use a stronger condom!
 
 
Lubricants & Condomsfor every occasion
LUBRICANTS
Using water based lubricants helps stop condoms bursting especially if you are dry. If the client doesn’t see you putting it in he often believes it is natural, which can make him come quicker. Always use lots for anal sex, to reduce condom bursts and damage to your body.
 
Some lubricants contain spermicides and/or viricides, Spermicides are to prevent pregnancy; most spermicides are also viricides, which can prevent some sexually transmitted infections. However, research has shown that using them can increase your risk of HIV infection – so don’t use any products containing Nonoxynol or other spermicides/viricides.
 
CONDOMS
Condoms come in a range of strengths, sizes, shapes, flavours and colours to suit every penis and occasion.
For extra protection use an extra strong condom for vaginal sex – particularly if you know it is going to be long or rough session as well as anal sex.
Never use two condoms together as they are more likely to burst.
For oral sex use a flavoured condom (it hides the taste of the latex), or one with no lubrication at all.
For the client with a small penis you can get small (slim) condoms that won’t slip off as easily.
For the client with a large penis you can get large (fat) condoms that won’t burst as easily.
 
If you think the condom has come off or has burst stop having sex IMMEDIATELY!
KEEP SAFE & HEALTHY
If a condom slips off or bursts and the client has ejaculated inside you should: Get emergency contraception, if you are not using backup contraception and especially if the man has ejaculated inside you
Having VAGINAL SEX
Try to get rid of the semen by squatting down and squeezing your vaginal muscles together to push it out.
Wash yourself on the outside with warm water.
DO NOT try to scrape the semen out with your fingers or anything else - this can scratch the vaginal walls and increase the risk of infection.
If you know your partner(s) have an infection or they have any symptoms then go for a medical check up immediately, the doctor may be able to provide preventive treatment
Go for a sexual health checkup two to seven days after the burst condom
Some sex workers use viricidal pessaries and douches containing Iodine. These do not guarantee that you will not get pregnant or infected with sexually transmitted diseases but they will not increase your risk of being infected. They should never be used instead of condoms!
Having ANAL SEX Try to get rid of the semen by sitting on a toilet or squatting down and squeeze out as much of the semen as possible
Wash yourself on the outside – NEVER DOUCHE THE ANUS - this can cause cuts and abrasions in the sensitive intestinal walls that will increase the risk of infection.
If you know your partner(s) have an infection or they have any symptoms then go for a medical check up immediately, the doctor may be able to provide preventive treatment.
Go for a sexual health checkup two to seven days after the burst condom
Having ORAL SEX Spit the semen out
Wash out your mouth with mouth-wash or salt water.
DO NOT brush your teeth or use dental floss for at least an hour.
DO NOT eat or drink anything for at least an hour.
Go for a sexual health checkup two to seven days after the burst condom
 
 
 
© TAMPEP Project, 2005