Here's what to say if you need to talk about condoms
Use this button to quickly leave the website
Quick Exit
Back
NSW Government
  • A
  • A
Visit the blog
Safe sex at schoolies

After years of hard work, it’s finally time to let loose and celebrate. But as fun as schoolies can be, it’s important that you stay safe, including when it comes to sex. Use condoms The easiest way to practice safe sex? Use condoms. Condoms act as a physical barrier, preventing […]

Find the right STI testing service for you

What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample.   Why is STI testing important? […]

National Condom Day

It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day!  It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer.  Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]

Visit the blog
Safe sex at schoolies

After years of hard work, it’s finally time to let loose and celebrate. But as fun as schoolies can be, it’s important that you stay safe, including when it comes to sex. Use condoms The easiest way to practice safe sex? Use condoms. Condoms act as a physical barrier, preventing […]

Find the right STI testing service for you

What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample.   Why is STI testing important? […]

National Condom Day

It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day!  It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer.  Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]

What is World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day Ever wondered why you see red ribbons everywhere in early December? Well, it’s because of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year and is all about showing support for people living with HIV, raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing […]

How to talk
about condoms

What to say
  • They say: Sex with condoms just isn’t enjoyable.
    You say: Is no sex more enjoyable?
  • They say: I’m on the pill.
    You say: I understand, but that won’t protect against STIs.
  • They say: I’ll pull out with plenty of time.
    You say: Nope, as soon as you’re in, it’s too late.
  • They say: They don’t make condoms big enough.
    You say: Don’t worry, they stretch! I can’t wait to see that.
  • They say: They’re such a passion killer.
    You say: Don’t worry, I’m creative.
  • They say: We’re monogamous, we don’t need them.
    You say: How about we get tested first.
  • They say: If you loved me, you’d agree.
    You say: If you loved me, you’d wear one.
  • They say: I don’t have a condom with me.
    You say: Ok, let’s go get some (or ‘It’s ok, I’ve got some’ and carry them yourself).

What if we’re in the heat of the moment?

Ideally, you should be talking about condoms long before you get to the bedroom (or bathroom/backseat of the car/wherever takes your fancy), but, if you’re having a one night stand, or the sex is unplanned, it’s not always possible.

If you find yourself in this situation, pull one out and say “condom?” before you’re about to have sex. It really is as simple as that.

Make sure you plan ahead and take a couple of condoms out with you. Here’s where you can get condoms.

Being prepared with a few go-to lines, and carrying condoms with you, means you’re always ready for sex

Will your partner think you don’t trust them?

Talking about condoms has nothing to do with trust. It’s about caring about your health – and your partner’s health. Anyone who has a sexual history can have an STI, even if you’ve only had sex with one other person, or just had oral sex.

Is being on the pill enough?

Nope. The pill is a contraceptive only (stops you getting pregnant) so it won’t protect you against STIs. The only thing that helps protect against both is condoms.

Want to stop using condoms in your relationship?

If you’re in a relationship and want to stop using condoms then that’s fine – but both get tested first. Even if you’re not showing symptoms – still get tested as many STIs have no symptoms at all. If you want to avoid pregnancy, make sure you’re on a contraceptive such as the pill before you stop using condoms.

Then, enjoy all the sex you want.

More about Condoms

More like this

National Condom Day

It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day!  It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer.  Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]

What is a dental dam? How to use them and where to find them

Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]

Why we love lube (and you will too)

Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly, lube does not get the love and attention it deserves. Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but […]

Dealing with sexual anxiety

The past five years have seen a concerning increase in the cases of syphilis across NSW. So here’s everything you need to know about who’s at risk, how to get tested and what to do if you have it.

5 ways you can get involved with SEXtember

Want to celebrate SEXtember but not sure where to start? Read this!

Everything you need to know about condoms

Get to know the humble and heroic condom…the best friend of safe sex.

Having sex for the first time? Here’s what to expect…

Your first time having sex can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster and some strange things may happen with your body too – most of the time, it’s nothing to be concerned about. So if you’re thinking about moving on to the next step, let’s help you prepare.

Awkward sex ‘problems’ that are actually totally normal

Enjoying a healthy and safe sex life is all about open communication and overcoming ‘problems’ together. So, uncomfortable conversations and ‘awkward moments’ are inevitable, in fact, they’re totally healthy and here’s why…

The Dos and Don’ts of Condoms

When used correctly condoms are over 98% effective, but it’s easy to make mistakes that could result in condoms breaking during sex.

Safe sex for young people: how to protect yourself from STIs

By understanding the risks associated with sex – and doing what you can do to minimise them – you can protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and take control of your sexual health.

The 4 C’s of safe sex

Here are our 4 C’s of safe sex – Consent, Condoms, Contraception, and Communication. Follow these four golden rules and you’ll have safe – and great – sex, every time.

The complete guide to the internal condom

Everyone knows what a condom is, but hands up if you’ve ever heard of the internal condom (also known as the female condom)? This lesser-known barrier contraceptive gets inserted into the vagina or anus before sex. Just like the condom you’re probably already familiar with, the internal condom protects against […]

What to do if you’re allergic to condoms

Condoms are the only form of contraception that protect against STIs and unplanned pregnancy. Although most people have no problems using condoms, a small proportion of people can be allergic to materials they’re made from. Here’s what to do if you think you might be one of them. An allergic […]

Emergency Contraceptive Pill (The morning after pill)

The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) AKA ‘The Morning After Pill’ can be taken to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex. That means, if you’ve had sex and the condom broke or you didn’t use a condom and aren’t using another form of reliable birth control, the ECP is […]

Let’s talk lube

Lubricant, or lube, increases pleasure for girls and guys, during sex, making sex more comfortable and enjoyable. Lube is used to decrease friction, which means sex with lube won’t be dry and uncomfortable.  There are three main types of lube: Water-based lube Water-based lubes are the most common. They are slippery […]

Pain in the penis

No one likes to experience pain – especially in the penis! Let’s look at some of the reasons why you can feel pain in your penis, and the solutions for it. STIs can be a cause of genital pain. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause discharge (pus that leaks out of […]

Where did the Condom go?

So you’ve just had sex, but the condom has disappeared? No need to freak out, here are a few steps you can take. Find the condom The first thing you should do is try to get the lost condom out yourself. If you were having PIV (penis-in-vagina) sex, it might […]

The Pill

It seems from your questions and emails that many of you are interested in the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, or “the Pill”. The Pill is a small tablet that a female takes once a day. There are a variety of Pills available in Australia, but a single packet generally contains 21 hormone […]

10 ways to be better in bed – via GIF

Want a session you’ll never forget? 1. Talk Talking about sex, makes the actual sex better. Share what you like and don’t like. 2. Laugh Let’s face it. Sex has its funny moments. Ever bumped your head? Fanny farted? Yep. There’s only one response. You know it. 3. Get tested […]

Talk First!

Talk First – how to talk about sex Whether you’re having sex for the first time or you’re about to sleep with a new partner, talking about sex isn’t always easy. In fact, it can feel pretty awkward. Talking is the best way to find out what YOU want and […]

Could I have an STI?

Take our 30 second quiz to find out

Where can I get tested?

Find a testing location

Got a sticky question?

Ask Nurse Nettie

Got a sticky question?

Ask Nurse Nettie

Stay in touch

Signup to our email or follow us on social for tips on all things sex and relationships