Barrier Methods & Lubricant Guide
Barrier methods of contraception offer different levels of protection. Some protect only against unwanted pregnancy; others protect only against sexually transmitted infections (STIs); and some protect against both STIs and pregnancy. Barrier methods include the male condom, the internal (or female) condom, dental dams, surgical gloves, and finger cots. Order yours for free today through our Sexual Health Kit.
How to Use an External Condom
The external condom is rolled over the erect penis or dildo.
- Condoms should NOT be used with oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, Vaseline, or mineral and vegetable oil. Such lubricants damage the condom.
- Check the expiration date and make sure the package is still airtight. Open carefully.
- Make sure the rim of the rolled up condom is facing outward, and add a small dab of your favorite lubricant in the reservoir (tip) of the condom.
- Place the condom on the head of the penis/object.
- Pinch the tip to leave room for ejaculate.
- Roll condom to base of penis/object.
- Enjoy the action. When finished, hold base of condom while pulling out.
- Remove condom and throw in trash. Do not flush!
Remember, practice is important to ensure proper use! Check out this instructional video from AMAZE.org.
How to Use an Internal (FC2) Condom
Remove the condom from its package and rub the outside of the pouch together to be sure the lubrication is evenly spread within it. Be sure that the inner (smaller) ring is at the bottom (closed) end of the pouch, and then hold the pouch with the open (larger) end hanging down.
Squeeze the inner ring with the thumb and middle finger, and then insert it and the pouch into the vaginal (or anal) opening. With the index finger, push the inner ring and pouch all the way up into the vagina against the cervix. If you’re using it anally, push the inner ring and pouch into the anus, leaving the outer ring outside of the body.
The penis or dildo should be guided into the condom in order to ensure that it does not slip into the vagina outside of the condom. After intercourse squeeze and twist the outer ring gently and then pull the condom out keeping the semen inside. Then simply discard as you would a male condom.
Remember, practice is important to ensure proper use! Learn more about the internal (or female) condom and how to use it!
Lubricant Guide
Water-based: Water is the main ingredient which makes it soothing and great for sensitive skin, plus it's easy to clean off your body and sheets. Water-based lubes are compatible with all sex toys, but they're not great for the shower/bath (since they wash right off) and they're not very long-lasting.
Examples: Pink Water, Pink Natural, Gun Oil Loaded, Gun Oil H2O, Good Clean Love
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Silicone-based: Silicone lubes have a unique silky feel and they're usually hypoallergenic. Since the silicone molecules are too large to absorb into skin, the lube is super slippery and lasts much longer so you don't need to re-apply as often — and it works for water play. However, silicone lube can ruin silicone sex toys, because it breaks down the surface and makes the toys gummy and bacteria-prone.
Examples: Pink Unity, Hot Pink, Gun Oil Force Recon, Uber lube
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Oil-based: Oil-based lubes feel great and you can find them in your kitchen (coconut and olive oil work great). However, they're NOT safe to use with condoms because they make the latex porous so it's prone to ripping, which increases the risk of pregnancy or STIs. While it's good for masturbation and massage, it might be hard to clean, and it can stain sheets or clothing.
Examples: Coconut oil, Olive oil, Jojoba oil
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