Some condom tips

• For anal sex always use plenty of water-based lubricant such as KY jelly, Clinigel, Sensel or pharmacy own brand lubricating jelly.
• For oral sex using a condom can protect against many STIs - try using flavoured condoms for variety.
• If you buy condoms online, make sure you get them from a pharmacist rather than from people selling them on eBay or elsewhere.
• Most condoms are already lubricated, but using extra lubricant from the chemist can prevent the condom tearing, especially with anal sex. Only use water-based lubricants (like KY jelly, Clinigel, Sensel or pharmacy own brand lubricating jelly) on latex condoms - never oil-based lubricants or baby oil as they can damage your condom.
• Sex can feel better if you place a drop of lubricant in the tip of the condom before putting it on your penis. This is called 'gel-charging'.
• Condoms containing Nonoxynol 9 should not be used for anal sex or by women who have lots of vaginal sex every day, such as those working in the sex industry.

For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.