Condoms

by paadmin

Condoms

You can get condoms for free or purchase them from organizations like Teen’s Key, Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, the Youth Health Care Centers under the Federation of Youth Groups, Red Ribbon Centre, Department of Health clinics, and NGOs such as AIDS Concern, St. John’s Counselling Service, and Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation’s Mercury III.

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Male Condoms

What Do they Do?

Male condoms prevent sperm in semen from coming into contact with the vagina, thereby preventing unintended pregnancy. They cover the entire penis and act as a barrier between the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus and your partner’s bodily fluids, also helping to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • The only method that simultaneously prevents pregnancy and STIs.
  • You only need to use them during sexual activity.
  • They have no serious side effects; for those allergic to latex, non-latex polyurethane (PU) male condoms are available.
  • They come in different shapes, sizes, textures, colors, and flavors, which can make sex more enjoyable.
  • Easy to buy and use.
  • Can be used with sex toys.

缺點

  • They can sometimes break or slip off—if this happens or you’re worried, emergency contraception might be needed.
  • Sometimes buying them can feel embarrassing, especially for girls (online purchasing is an option, and you don’t need to be 18 to buy condoms).
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Where can I get them if I need them?

You can get condoms for free or purchase them from organizations like Teen’s Key, Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, the Youth Health Care Centers under the Federation of Youth Groups, Red Ribbon Centre, Department of Health clinics, and NGOs such as AIDS Concern, St. John’s Counselling Service, and Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation’s Mercury III.

Of course, you can also buy them from supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores. When purchasing, be sure to check the expiration date and the size.

How to use a Male Condom?

First, learn how to use a condom correctly. Proper use can be 98% effective in preventing unintended pregnancy and the transmission of STIs.

Decide with your partner whether to use a condom, and check the expiration date when buying.

Push the condom to one side of the wrapper, leaving space to open it. Be careful not to tear it when opening, and avoid damaging it with your fingernails.

Identify the correct side: the tip of the condom will have a small air pocket (the reservoir tip), and the edges should roll upward, making it easy to roll down over the erect penis.

Squeeze the air out of the reservoir tip to prevent it from bursting, then slowly roll the condom over the entire length of the erect penis.

If it slips off during intercourse, replace it with a new one.

After ejaculation, withdraw the penis before it becomes soft, carefully remove the condom, wrap it in tissue, and dispose of it in the trash (do not flush it down the toilet).

Important Notes:

  1. Male condoms can be used for vaginal, oral, anal sex, or with sex toys. You may need different sizes of male condoms. For instructions on how to measure, watch the video below.
  2. Always use a new condom each time, and remember they are for single use only.
  3. Do not use products like petroleum jelly, baby oil, or coconut oil. If needed, use a water-based lubricant (like KY) or a male condom with higher lubrication.
  4. Do not use two condoms at the same time, as this increases the risk of them rubbing together and tearing.
  5. Replace any condoms stored in a wallet, pocket, or handbag for over a month, as they may be damaged.
  6. Do not allow the penis to touch the area around the vagina before the condom is on, as pre-ejaculate (fluid released before ejaculation) may contain sperm.

Female Condoms

What Do they Do?

Female condoms prevent sperm in semen from coming into contact with the vagina, thus preventing fertilization and unintended pregnancy. Female condoms are placed inside the vagina to prevent contact with a partner’s bodily fluids and can also protect against the transmission of STIs.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • The only method that simultaneously prevents both pregnancy and STI transmission.
  • They can be inserted up to eight hours before sexual activity.
  • You only need to use them during sexual activity.
  • They have no side effects. Female condoms are made from polyurethane and are slightly wider than other condoms, covering part of the female external genitalia and the base of the male penis, providing extra protection.
  • They are not affected by other medications. Even if you use treatments such as vaginal suppositories, you can still use female condoms (as long as you follow your healthcare provider’s advice on whether it’s safe to have sex during treatment).
  • When used correctly, they are 95% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Disadvantages

  • If not used correctly, they may slip into or be pushed into the vagina. If this happens or you’re concerned, emergency contraception may be needed.
  • You need to ensure that the penis enters the condom and not between the condom and the vaginal wall.
  • They are not as easy to find and are more expensive than male condoms.
  • Using them is not as straightforward as using male condoms. If it’s your first time, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare provider or someone with relevant knowledge.

Where Can I Get Them?

You can purchase female condoms from the Family Planning Association and some youth health centers. As they are not widely used in Hong Kong, supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores may not carry them. If needed, you can consult Family Planning Association’s contraception guidance.

How to Use a Female Condom?

Decide with your partner whether to use a condom, and check the expiration date when purchasing.

Push the condom to one side of the packet, leaving space to open it without tearing or damaging it with your fingernails.

Lie down or squat in a comfortable position. Use one hand to spread the labia (the lips of the vagina).

Pinch the lower part of the flexible inner ring with your thumb and finger. This will allow you to grip and narrow the inner ring, making it longer and slimmer for easy insertion.

While holding the inner ring, insert the condom into the vagina. You can feel the inner ring move upward and deeper into the vagina until it reaches the correct position. Don’t worry about inserting it too deeply, as it won’t harm you.

Ensure that the large outer ring of the condom covers the area around the vaginal opening.

Make sure the penis enters the condom and not between the condom and the vaginal wall.

After intercourse, twist the outer ring of the condom to keep the semen inside, then gently pull it out. Wrap it in tissue and dispose of it in the trash (do not flush it down the toilet).

For illustrations, you can refer to the Family Planning Association’s guide:
https://www.famplan.org.hk/en/health-info/contraceptive-methods/female-condom

Important Notes:

  1. Use a new condom each time, and remember that they are for single use only.
  2. If you’ve attempted to use the condom incorrectly, discard it and use a new one.
  3. If needed, you can use a water-based lubricant (like KY Jelly).
  4. Do not use two condoms at the same time, as the friction between them can cause them to tear.
  5. Before inserting the condom, avoid contact between the penis and the area around the vagina, as pre-ejaculate fluid may contain sperm.

How to Measure for Male Condom Size?

How to Use a Male Condom?

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