Condoms are made from very thin latex (rubber), polyisoprene or polyurethane, and are designed to stop pre-cum or cum from coming into contact with your sexual partner.
When condoms are used correctly during anal, vaginal and oral sex, they help to protect against STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).
Please pop in and collect what you need from Reception at the Birmingham LGBT Centre during opening hours (10am to 6pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am to 9pm Thursday and Friday and 11.30am to 7pm Saturday).
We offer broad selection of different sizes: trim, regular, large, extra large and king size and sachets of water-based lube.
Having the right size condom for yourself/partner(s) and water- based lube prevents condom failure.
If you require latex-free condoms because of a latex sensitivity, please contact the Sexual Health team and we will arrange for you to speak to a nurse about your requirements.
If you are unable to come to the Birmingham LGBT Centre to pick up condoms and lube due to a mobility impairment or other disability, and you live in Birmingham or Solihull, we can post condoms and lube to you in a plain envelope. Please email sexualhealth@blgbt.org or call 0121 643 0821 and ask for a member of the sexual health team to request this service.
You can pick up free condoms and lube from the following venues in Birmingham’s gay village:
Here are some of the key things you need to know about condoms.
Always choose condoms that carry the BSI kite mark or European CE mark, as they are recognised safety standards. Don’t use novelty condoms, unless they carry the BSI kite mark or CE mark.
Always put on the condom before there’s any contact between the cock and the mouth, arse or vagina.
Use a new condom every time you have sex.
If you’re having a long sex session, change condoms after 30 minutes. Friction can weaken the condom, making it more likely to break or fail.
Never use two condoms together, as they will rub against each other, and this friction can weaken them and make them more likely to break or fail.
Heat can damage condoms, so store them somewhere cool and dry.
Check the expiry date on the packaging, as condoms don’t last forever and may be past the point at which they work.
Get condoms before going on holiday to avoid problems with language and trying to find somewhere to buy them.
Don’t use body lotions, moisturiser, massage oil, body oil, lipstick or any other oil-based product (such as petroleum jelly, or Vaseline) with latex condoms. This is because they can weaken the condom, making it less effective.
Use plenty of water-based lubricant, especially for anal sex.
Using condoms during oral sex can help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), You could try using flavoured condoms for variety.
Wrap used condoms in a tissue or piece of paper and put them in a dustbin. Don’t flush used condoms down the toilet. If you’re on a cruising ground please take your litter with you and dispose of it properly.
If you buy condoms online, don’t buy from auction sites such as eBay. Make sure that any condoms you buy have the BSI kite mark or CE mark and haven’t gone past the use-by date on the packaging.
CONDOM SIZE GUIDE: http://www.pasante.com/condoms
Using lubricant
It is really important to ensure you use enough lube when having sex. This is particularly important for anal sex, to reduce the chance of condoms splitting, or of injuries such as skin tears.
If you are using latex condoms, use plenty of water based lube such as:
Do not use oil-based lubricants, such as, baby oil, body oil or lotion, petroleum jelly or creams (such as Vaseline). This is because they can damage the condom and make it more likely to split.
If you are unsure which lube to use, please contact us for advice.
Using latex gloves for sex acts such as fisting can cut the risk of infections if a new glove is used with each sexual partner. It is easy to damage the lining of the arse when fisting, so if fisting is followed by fucking without a condom then transmission of HIV to either partner is more likely.
What is a Dam?
Dams (or Dental dams) are designed for safer oral sex. A dam is a small sheet of rectangular latex that acts as a protective barrier between the mouth and the arse or vagina. If you are sexually active, using a dam can help reduce the risk of picking up or passing on an STI this way.
How to Use a Dam
Using a dam may feel awkward at first, but they’re easy to get used to. Some people may feel that using a dental dam will take away from the pleasure of oral sex , but this is not necessarily the case. Dams can provide a different, yet pleasurable sensation by adding flavor to your oral experience.
Use a new dam for each different sex act, just like we advise with a condom. If you switch back and forth with partners use a new dam every time you switch.
Do not use any oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline, olive oils, petroleum jelly, baby oil, or lotions. Oil based lubricants can break down the material (latex) of the dam, causing it to leak or tear.
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