A condom is a method of contraception. A condom is a thin rubber sleeve for the penis. It collects the semen when a man ejaculates.
Condoms are available in different sizes, depending on the thickness of the penis. The condom should not be too tight or too loose.
How to put on a condom
Put on a condom before penetration. Do it in the following way:
- Check that the expiry date has not yet passed. Only use condoms with the CE quality label on the wrapping.
- Tear the pouch open at the incision. Do not open it with scissors, a knife or your teeth and be careful with long fingernails. The condom may tear.
- Pull back the foreskin if the penis is not circumcised. Squeeze the tip of the condom to leave room for the semen and put the condom on top of the penis. The penis should be hard (erection).
- Make sure the rolled-up rim of the condom is on the outside. Roll down the condom over the entire penis so it does not slip off.
- Take the condom off the penis after ejaculation. Do this while the penis is still hard.
- Hold the condom by the rim and make sure no semen spills out.
- Tie the condom in a knot. This prevents semen from spilling out. Throw the used condom in a bin.
Only use the condom once.
Do not use 2 condoms at the same time. The condoms may tear.
Only use water-based lubricants on the condom.
Less reliable when used incorrectly
Protection against HIV and STIs
The condom also protects against HIV and reduces the risk of infection with an STI.
The condom and the female condom are the only methods of contraception that can protect you against hiv and lower the risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection.
Responsible together
Both partners are responsible for using a condom. Talk about it with your partner.
Buying condoms
You can buy condoms without a prescription at a pharmacy, chemist or supermarket. Sometimes you can also find them in bars and nightclubs or vending machines. You can also buy condoms on the internet.
The price of a condom varies between 0.20 and 0.90 Euro. Special condoms, for example with a special flavour or ribs, cost more.
Asylum seekers in an asylum seekers’ centre can obtain free condoms at the health centre.
STI Aids Netherlands has developed leaflets in different languages with information about condoms and STIs. The leaflets can be downloaded on their website.