February is National Condom Month

February is National Condom Month. Follow us all month long at #CondomMonth and spread the word about condoms on social media along with ASHA with our toolkit below.

Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sex. Condoms work. Condoms work best when you know some basic facts and understand how to use them.

The facts on this page will help you have a better idea of how to use condoms correctly and protect your (and your partner’s) health. Learn about condoms and how to talk to your sexual partner about condoms and safer sex.

External Condoms

External condoms are condoms that are worn on the penis. They are inexpensive, easy to find, easy to use, and really, really effective against HIV, chlamydia and a lot of other STIs when used consistently and correctly.

How to Use an External Condom

First, check the expiration date and for any obvious rips or tears in the packaging. Just as old rubber bands break easily, latex condoms become less elastic and more susceptible to breaking after their expiration date.
Open the condom carefully, so you don’t tear it. It’s very easy to tear the condom inside, so don’t use your fingernails or teeth when opening the wrapper. If you do tear a condom while opening it, throw that condom away and get a new one.
Put the condom on an erect (hard) penis BEFORE there is ANY contact with a partner’s genitals (BEFORE the penis touches the vagina, mouth or anus.)
If you put the condom on and start to unroll it the wrong way, don’t flip it over and put it on again. Throw the condom out and start again with a new condom.
After sex, be sure to hold the condom in place at the base of the penis before pulling out, while the penis is still hard.
Use a new condom if you want to have sex again or if moving from the anus to the vagina.

The Internal Condom

The internal condom is a nitrile pouch that fits inside the vagina. It has a soft ring on each end. The outer, larger ring stays on the outside of the vagina and partly covers the labia (lips). The inner ring fits on the inside of the vagina, somewhat like a diaphragm, to hold the condom in place. The internal condom can also be used in the rectum for anal sex.

The internal condom should be inserted before contact between the penis and the vagina or rectum. It can be inserted anywhere from immediately before to up to 8 hours prior to intercourse—allowing time to plan ahead. Another advantage of the internal condom—it stays in place whether or not the penis maintains an erection. Due to it’s outer ring, this type of condom also offers better protection from herpes and HPV which can be spread from skin-to-skin contact.

How to Use an Internal Condom

Vaginal sex

To start, add lubricant to the outside of the condom. To insert the condom, squeeze the inner ring of the condom and put the inner ring and pouch inside the vagina.
With your finger, push the inner ring as far into the vagina as it will go. The outer ring stays outside the vagina.
Guide the penis into the condom, taking care that the penis is inserted into the condom and doesn’t push the condom aside.
After intercourse, the condom should be removed before standing up. Twist the outside ring and pull the condom out gently, making sure not to spill the contents.
Condoms should not be reused, so throw away the condom (but don’t flush it!)

Anal sex

For anal sex, you can either leave the inner ring in or take it out, based on your preference.
Put the condom over the penis (it can also be used on a dildo or sex toy) or toy and slowly insert into the rectum.
Remove and dispose of the condom in the same way mentioned above.

Social Media Toolkit

Our social media toolkit makes it easy to copy, paste and share during #condommonth. Grab images and messages and spread the word about condoms in February.

Spice it up, wrap it up! February is National Condom Month. Elevate intimacy with the right protection. Explore the world of condoms @ https://tinyurl.com/y5tthay9 #CondomMonth

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Safety first, pleasure always! Celebrate National Condom Month in February. Condoms not only safeguard, but they also enhance the experience. https://tinyurl.com/y5tthay9 #CondomMonth

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February is National Condom Month! In addition to preventing pregnancy, condoms are an important part of the STI prevention toolbox! https://tinyurl.com/y5tthay9 #CondomMonth

Wrap it up! February is National Condom Month. Condoms are fun, sexy, and can make a good thing GREAT! Learn more @ https://tinyurl.com/y5tthay9 #CondomMonth

#DYK that condoms are the only contraceptives that also protect against STIs? https://tinyurl.com/y976cmrp #CondomMonth

#DYK that there are lots of condom options so you can find one that has the right fit and feel for you. https://bit.ly/condomfitandfeel #CondomMonth