Today, the condom is the best way to protect yourself against AIDS.

One of the best ways to avoid AIDS in a sexual relationship is to adopt what is commonly known as “safer sex”, i.e. low-risk sex.

“Zero risk” does not exist. But, by following certain practices you can decrease these risks significantly. That is why we do not refer to “safe-sex”, i.e. risk-free sex but rather to “safer-sex”, i.e sex at low risks.

The most frequent safer sex habits are:

- using a condom and a water-based lubrication for anal/vaginal penetration;

- using a condom for fellatio (mouth-penis contact);

- having sexual intercourse without penetration.


Condoms
How to use a condom
Lubrication
How to use lubrication 
Allergies to latex or lubrication
Erection and condom
Condom and couple
Condom and sex toys
“Hard” habits


Condoms
For anal penetration, some people prefer ‘reinforced’ condoms. However, surveys* have shown that when it comes to splitting there is no difference between the strength of classical condoms and ‘reinforced’ ones. Accidents are usually caused by the way condoms are used and especially by the use of water-based lubrication.
For some years now, Ex Aequo has stopped distributing ‘reinforced’ condoms (they are also too expensive). This new policy has enabled us to decrease the cost of prevention material for the general public and gay establishments.

BE CAREFUL: always check the expiry date on the condom package.

It is also very important to store condoms away from heat and not to expose them to direct sunshine.

Condoms exist in different sizes and models. +lien vers shopping

However, do not use two condoms at the same time.


How to use a condom
It can be very useful to read the instructions written on the package to get the best advice possible, because using a condom is not obvious. You can also refer to drawings and to the following advice:
- Your condoms must not be damaged if you want to use them safely during sexual intimacy. Do not hesitate to take one out of its package to check its texture or to put your fingers in it. Its softness is due to the thinness of the latex which allows the warmth to penetrate your partner.
- Open it carefully and do not use any sharp object. It is better to prepare yourself by cutting off a corner of the package because it is sometimes difficult to stay focused when you are very aroused!

- Place the condom on the glans when the penis is erect – this should not prevent you from continuing with your caresses and games. Such games can be used to successfully position the condom without interrupting your erotic games with your partner.

- The liquid which leaks out during foreplay can contain semen and contaminating germs.

- Be careful there is no air in the condom, which can cause it to rupture. By placing the condom on the glans, and holding it between the thumb and the index finger to get rid of the air, you will be able to continue your erotic contact with your partner. S/he can unroll the condom while you continue the foreplay with your tongue, lips or other hand.

- Make sure that the part to be unrolled is on the right side (outside). Unroll the condom down to the base of the penis – it is just like putting on a stocking.

- If it is difficult to unroll, do not force it as it is probably inside out. Get rid of it and use another one. Always keep prevention material near you so that you will not have to leave your partner alone, even for a minute!

To use a condom properly, try it first when alone so that you can find out which one suits you best (shape, size). If you repeat this exercise, you will avoid stress when using it with your partner.

After ejaculating:

- After sexual intercourse (ejaculation) and before the end of the erection, withdraw while holding the condom at the basis of the penis.

- Make a knot in it and throw it away.

- Never reuse a condom; use a new one each time you have sexual intercourse.


It is also very important to find the condom which suits you best so that you get the best sensitivity, comfort and pleasure => lien vers Prévention et plaisir

Tight or loose, thick or thinner (2 to 10 microns), there are several sizes to choose from. What matters when choosing a condom is mainly the length and the width.

Ex Aequo proposes a wide range of condoms. You can also find these models as well as other brands in pharmacies, supermarkets and sex shops.

Please note that Ex Aequo has implemented a new concept, called Pipe-Life + lien vers Pipe-Life, which aims to make available free condoms and gel.


Lubricant
The use of water-based, silicone-based (also called intimate gel) lubricant or gel prevents condoms from breaking: it is necessary to use lubricant with a condom. Besides, using lubricant enhances comfort during sexual intercourse. Be careful, do not use greasy substances (like vaseline, oil, sun cream, soap, etc.) as they are dangerous. They make the condom porous thereby giving access to possible viruses and bacteria. Do not use them.

Saliva is not a lubricant. Its lubricating power is weak and it can transmit some STI (hepatitis B, syphilis, etc.).

Never use semen as gel, whether for penetration with the penis or with a finger.


How to use lubrication
When using a condom, it is necessary to use enough water-based or silicone-based lubricant. Use as much lubrication as you can: do not hesitate about using too much. Lubrication must be placed on the condom and also on the opening to be penetrated. Ex Aequo proposes basic lubrications + lien shopping. These, as well as others (perfumed…), can be found in pharmacies, supermarkets and sex shops.


Allergies to latex or lubrication
Some people are allergic to latex: condoms without latex do exist – they are made from polyurethane (AVANTI model distributed by Durex©, for example) or hypoallergenic (CRYSTAL model distributed by Manix©, for example). All these condoms are available on the market.
Some people are allergic to lubrication: in this case it is recommended to use a non-lubricated condom or powder associated with a glycerin-based lubricant available in shops. Please note that these condoms are more resistant than latex, they are transparent, odourless and extra thin (0.045 mm). Because of all these advantages, these condoms are not only aimed at people with allergies.


Erection and condom
Some men have erection problems when putting on a condom: we advise them to try another model or brand which is more comfortable. The range is very wide. Take your time when trying them, you can try them alone so that you can find which one suits you best.

Products to stimulate erections, such as Viagra©, are prescribed by doctors and cannot be used without medical advice.
In addition, never use ‘poppers’ when you are on medication as this can cause heart problems.


Condom and couple
When living as a couple, if you want to stop using condoms it is important to discuss it with your partner.
Today, many infections occur among couples, which is why you have to discuss the rules which best apply to you as a couple in order to clearly define what you want to do. Dialogue is essential.

When giving up using condoms, partners must respect the following three steps:

1. Always use condoms during three consecutive months.
2. After these three months, both partners must take an HIV and STI test.
3. Both partners must have negative results from the test.

Finally, any relationship outside that of the couple means you must use condoms again and perform safer sex.


Condoms and sex toys
Using sex toys (dildo, etc.) requires that certain precautions are taken. Sex toys must be used with condoms (and possibly some lubrication). If the sex toy is used with several partners, a new condom must be used inbetween each penetration.


"Hard” habits

Fist-fucking
Fist-fucking (hand penetration of a sexual aperture) does not present any HIV risk as long as there are no cuts on the hand. If not, do not forget to use a latex glove. Surgical gloves (available in pharmacies) do not affect the sensations but, like condoms, they can only be used once.

Well-manicured nails are a must to avoid internal injuries.

Uro – Scato
Playing with urine and/or faeces on a healthy skin is risk free. To avoid transmitting HIV or any other STI, do not allow your partner to urinate into the anus or mouth because he or she may well have a urinary infection or an STI and blood may be found in his or her urine. Ingesting faeces is also dangerous if the partner has lesions on the rectal or intestinal mucous membrane.

SM (sado-masochism)
Sado-masochism (SM) – when performed carefully – is risk free and cannot transmit HIV or other STI. Nevertheless, important rules must be followed. No contact with semen and damaged skin. The use of instruments (wip, belt, crop, etc.) can cause lesions, so they must all be disinfected before each use. Do not use the same tools with several partners at the same time.