Condoms when used correctly are extremely effective in stopping HIV and other STIs. If you’ve been having anal sex with a condom and it hasn’t broken, slipped off, or been taken off during sex, then you have protected yourself against HIV and can expect negative test results.

Condoms shouldn’t break or slip off when they are used properly. Using condoms that are the wrong size, not squeezing the air out of the tip, losing your hard on, or using oil based lubes are usually the main reasons why condoms fail. Unfortunately there are also the occasional times when a guy takes a condom off without telling their partner. This might happen when they change positions, stop for a break, or while reapplying lube.

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Why would guys do this? Hard to say really, we all like to think that once an agreement is made to use a condom that people will stick to it, but this isn’t always the case. Perhaps the guy is having trouble keeping a hard on and is embarrassed or frustrated by his problem. Maybe he wants to experience sex without a condom and decides that his desire is more important than the agreement made. Whatever the reason, we do know that it happens sometimes.

So… how do we make condoms even safer?

• Take charge of putting condoms on and check that they have stayed on (you can feel a condom by touching around the base of his cock and feeling the latex ring).
• Make sure the condom is on before a guy penetrates.
• Change position during sex and check that the condom is still on, (this is also a good time to put more lube on, which makes anal sex more comfortable, and reduces the risk of a condom breaking).
• If a guy pulls out always have a feel or a look before he penetrates again to ensure the condom is still on.
• Finally, stay aware of if your partner is having a difficult time keeping a hard on with a condom on. Take your time, take the pressure off, and consider enjoying other types of sex like oral and mutual masturbation.

If the worst case scenario happens and you realise a condom has broken, slipped off, or been taken off, remember PEP (post exposure prophylaxis). PEP is a one month course of HIV medication which can significantly reduce the risk of you becoming HIV positive after a high risk like anal sex without a condom. It must be started within 72 hours of the risk event and it’s even better if you start it in the first 24 or 48 hours. To talk to someone about starting PEP you can call the 24 hour PEP line on 1300 767 161.

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Ben Bradstreet, Project X