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Male Condoms

What is a condom?  
A condom fits over the penis during sexual intercourse.

How does the condom work? 
The condom is a barrier. It will prevent pregnancy 85-97% of the time.

Can the condom protect me from sexually transmitted infections? 
  • Yes. The condom protects you against most sexually transmitted infections. No other method of birth control will do this.
  • The condom may not protect you against the viruses that cause genital warts or herpes.
What kind of condom should I use? 
  • Use latex or polyurethane condoms. They will help protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 
  • Use lubricated latex condoms with a reservoir tip.  
Where can I buy condoms? 
  • You can buy condoms at drug stores, some supermarkets and convenience stores, and washroom vending machines. 
  • Make sure that the packages say that the condom will protect you against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. 
  • Your community clinic may give you free condoms.
How do I use a condom?
Important: Make sure to put a condom on the erect (hard) penis before you have any contact with your partner. 
1.       Check expiry date and carefully open package.
2.       Put condom on erect penis before any genital contact.
3.       Place ring facing outward so condom will unroll properly.
4.       Pinch the tip of condom before placing it on penis. With the other hand, unroll it right down to the base of the penis.
5.       After ejaculation, withdraw while penis is still hard while holding the base of the condom.
6.       Discard condom.

What if the condom leaks or breaks? 
See a health care provider as soon as possible for emergency contraception (if applicable) and contact your health care provider to discuss STI testing.

Can I reuse a condom?  
No . You must use a new condom every time you have sex. Never reuse a condom.

What are some other things to remember? 
  • Make sure the condom is not damaged. 
  • Store condoms in a cool dry place, like a handbag, drawer or loose pocket. Sunlight and heat can break down the latex in the condoms. For this reason, don’t keep them in the glove compartment in your car, a back pocket or your wallet. . 
  • Use water-based lubricants only. Never use oil based lubricants like vaseline, cooking oil, margarine, hand cream or baby oil. They can break down latex condoms.
Public Health gives condoms away for FREE!

If you need condoms or have any questions about birth control please call the  Sexual Health Program at  578-2513.
E-mail: sexualhealthprogram@brandonrha.mb.ca