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Published: September 6, 2024 by mbelfield
This week, you may have seen the media talking about the World Health Organisation’s latest report showing declining condom usage across Europe.
At LGBT Foundation, we know condoms and lube are just as incredible as they always have been for LGBTQ+ communities, and here’s why!
Lube keeps things smooth
Lube makes everything feel wetter and better, but did you know it helps keep you safer too? The risk of STIs and HIV can increase if you’re not using enough lube because your skin can get irritated and damaged. Water-based lube is a great all-rounder, and safe to use with latex condoms too.
Condoms protect
PrEP is effective at preventing HIV – but it can’t fight other STIs. Did you know cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis are on the rise? Condoms and lube help prevent these STIs, so if you’re on PrEP but you’re not sure if you and your partners have been tested recently, we’d recommend you use a condom to stay safer.
Plus, do you need contraception as well as STI and HIV prevention? Condoms will help out there too!
Condoms are accessible
Condoms are available everywhere, commitment-free! You don’t need to go to a clinic for a prescription, and you don’t need to know in advance when you’re having sex. They’re easy to get hold of too – if you’re out in the Village and decide to go home with someone, you’ll be able to find our safer sex packs in the bar so you can be protected and spontaneous!
Condoms are for everyone
No two people have the same experiences, so it’s important to have a range of prevention options so everyone can choose the combination that works for them. Some people don’t like the idea of taking medication, or they sometimes forget PrEP doses. Some people prefer to double up on prevention methods to put their mind at ease. Some people use condoms because they love the easy clean-up!
Condoms are versatile
How many have you tried? Condoms come in countless materials, textures, shapes, sizes, flavours… Have some fun experimenting to find the right condom for you! There are even internal condoms (sometimes called ‘female condoms’) – did you know you can use these for anal?
Condoms aren’t just for penetration, they can help prevent HIV and STIs for oral sex and rimming, and if you’re sharing sex toys. They can be useful in whatever body parts you and your partner(s) have.
Our condom and lube distribution scheme recently celebrated its 30th birthday! You can grab our safer sex packs in Manchester’s Gay Village, in venues across Liverpool, or order free condoms and lube directly to your door.
Everyone should be able to have a fulfilling and pleasurable relationship with sex. Finding a safer sex strategy that works for you can only help you stay safer, happier and healthier. For more helpful pointers for pleasurable and healthy sex, check out our sex guides. If you have a question or just want to talk about your sexual wellbeing, you can get in touch via our online form.
Testing regularly for HIV and STIs is also important. If you’re LGBTQ+ and based in GM, why not test with LGBT Foundation, or for the rest of England, use the NHS service finder.
