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A couple share a warm kiss

Condoms are the number one way of protecting yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, viral hepatitis and chlamydia.

Many people use condoms alongside PrEP to further reduce the chance of acquiring HIV.

Condoms come in varying sizes, textures, and materials, so have some fun experimenting to find the right one for you!

If you are fingering or fisting, you can use gloves or condoms on your hands or fingers to protect against STIs that are passed on through contact, like syphilis. 

Try turning a condom into a dental dam for extra protection against STIs during oral sex and rimming.

Latex condoms should always be used with water-based lube as other types can weaken the condoms structure. This is especially important when engaging in anal sex as the rectum doesn’t produce its own lubrication and the lack of lubrication can lead to tears and micro-abrasions which increase the risk of transmission.

The PASH website has lots of information about how to use condoms and how they can be used to prevent STIs.

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A man holds a condom aloft

Take action!

You can get condoms and lube for free from PaSH partners, by ordering online.

Gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men  lgbt.foundation/condomsbypost,

Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority men and women  thebha.org.uk/condom-request 

Your other options
PEP

PEP is an emergency form of treatment which aims to reduce your risk of becoming infected with HIV after a potential exposure to HIV.

Testing

Most HIV transmission occurs from people who think they are HIV negative, but are living with undiagnosed HIV. This is because when someone is diagnosed, they are offered treatment soon after which reduces the virus to clinically undetectable and untransmittable levels.

Talking

To safely stop using condoms within your relationship, you need to be able to talk openly and honestly with each other about why you want to do it, what the potential benefits and risks might be, the ground rules for sex inside and outside (if any) the relationship and how you’ll deal with any problems that may arise.

U=U

Being HIV positive and having an undetectable viral load means you won’t pass on HIV to your partners. When a HIV positive person takes their treatment, within 6 months, they can become undetectable.

PrEP

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medicine for HIV negative people. It is a pill taken before sex to protect the transmission of HIV.

Emergency Support

Free & confidential sexual health services for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities 

Free & confidential support, advice and advocacy services for people living with HIV

Providing advice, support and resources for LGBT people to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing