No matter how experienced you think you are in using a condom (or not...), have you ever thought about the following?

Where do you keep your condom?
• Somewhere on the bedroom floor? (What if someone steps on it?!! This could damage the condom and make it more fragile...)

• In your trouser back pocket? (Think how many times you've sat down today... exactly! A crushed condom is a weaker condom!)

• In your wallet? (OK, but is it a tight squeeze for the condom in there? Think about it...)

Tip: Find somewhere on your body where the condom is less likely to be crushed and squeezed - a jacket or shirt pocket is excellent and that small, square pelvis pocket on your jeans is good too... Find your own alternative, discreet place to put it...

What about the lubricant?
• NEVER use an oil-based lubricant such as Vaseline/butter/olive oil (!) etc. with a condom! These attack the latex which almost all condoms are made of, which could cause the condom to break during anal sex without you noticing! Be careful...

• ALWAYS use a water-based lubricant with a condom. Brands such as KY Jelly/Durex/Manix/Liquid Silk make these, but your pharmacist might be able to recommend an acceptable, water-based alternative.

• Apply lubricant to your erect penis and your partner's anus after putting-on the condom. Lubricant between your penis and the condom might cause the condom to slip off during sex. But , a tiny drop on the gland of your penis before putting on the condom will make wearing a condom more comfortable and enjoyable too...

How do you open a condom packet?
• Wait! Did you check the expiry date? Condoms, like most other perishable goods (!) are manufactured and tested for quality in 'batches'. So what's the expiry-date for your condoms? The condom manufacturer prints this date on the packet to let you know before which date your condom will be in its most efficient, 'safe' condition.

• Avoid using your teeth or any sharp object when opening the packet. You might not be aware of damaging the condom in doing so. If you really cannot use your fingers (for example they're too slippery from the lubricant!) and you have to use your teeth, make sure you push the condom well away from the side of the packet you want to open.

When and how do you put on the condom?
• First, not before you penis is erect. This will help the condom take the shape of your penis, avoid it slipping-off during sex and it will be more comfortable for you too because it will 'bunch-up' less.

• When you're ready to put it on, squeeze the tip of the condom to get rid of any air. Gently unroll the condom down to the base of your penis with one hand whilst holding the rubber 'tip' between the fingers of your other hand. This 'tip' serves to collect the semen after ejaculation. Then you can apply the water-based lubricant.

• Check during sex that the condom hasn't slipped off. After sex, withdraw carefully while the penis is still hard.

• Practice makes perfect! If all this sounds a bit technical for the moment, try practicing once or twice on your own (or with a friend...), and you'll be well-prepared for the real thing.

Taking the condom off
• Hold the condom at the base when you pull out, to stop it slipping off. Wrap the condom in a tissue. Dispose of the condom carefully in a bin, not down the toilet.

Female condoms
• The female condom is designed to line the vagina. It has two rings to keep it in place.

• The ring at the closed end of the condom fits inside the vagina.

The one at the open end stays outside. Female condoms are available from the same outlets as male condoms.

What kind of condom to use?
• For anal sex, only an extra-strong condom, right?

No, not necessarily ... For a long time, it was thought that only 'extra strong' condoms were suitable for anal sex. However, almost all recent studies show that the best condom for use in anal sex, when used correctly, is a condom which you feel comfortable wearing! In other words, there is no point wearing an extra-strong condom which is too-big (and might slip off) or too tight (and might break) for the sake of anal sex, when a 'normal' condom which is just right for you in terms of comfort is equally as safe and effective. So, find a pharmacy which sells a large range of condoms, experiment, and find your perfect match!