Condoms 101
What Is a Condom?
A condom is a soft, stretchy barrier that goes over a penis (external condom) or inside a vagina or anus (internal condom) to help prevent pregnancy and protect against STBBIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and others by preventing fluid contact. They’re one of the only birth control methods that also protect you from infections, which makes them a double win for pleasure and peace of mind.
Most condoms are made of latex, which is stretchy and effective—but not great for folks with latex allergies. Luckily, there are plenty of non-latex options made of polyurethane or polyisoprene. These materials are just as effective, often more heat-conductive (translation: more sensation), and compatible with all types of lube.
Speaking of lube, not all lubricants are condom-friendly. Oil-based ones like coconut oil or Vaseline can weaken latex condoms and cause breakage. Stick with water- or silicone-based lubricants unless you’re using certain non-latex condoms.
Bonus tip: Some condoms come pre-lubed, ribbed, dotted, flavored, or ultra-thin for extra pleasure. Some glow in the dark. There are even vegan options. You’ve got choices!
An internal condom (left) and an external condom (right).
-
❌ Avoid:
Lotion
Massage oil
Baby oil
Vaseline
Coconut oil
✅ Safe
Water-based lube
Silicone-based lube
-
❌ Avoid:
Lotion
Massage oil
Baby oil
Vaseline
Coconut oil
✅ Safe
Water-based lube
Silicone-based lube
-
❌ Avoid:
Lotion
Massage oil
Baby oil
Vaseline
Coconut oil
✅ Safe
Water-based lube
Silicone-based lube
-
‼️Not suitable for STBBI protection
✅ Safe
Water-based lube
Silicone-based lube
Lotion
Massage oil
Baby oil
Vaseline
Coconut oil
-
❌ Avoid:
Lotion
Massage oil
Baby oil
Vaseline
Coconut oil
✅ Safe
Water-based lube
Silicone-based lube
How to Use a Condom
Using a condom is easy, but doing it right makes a big difference. First, check the expiration date—expired condoms are more likely to rip because the material breaks down, putting you and your partner at risk. Feel the wrapper for air bubble and tear it open gently, no teeth! (even if it looks hot in media 🥵)
If you’re using an external condom, pinch the tip to leave space for semen and roll it down all the way to the base of the penis. If it’s inside out, toss it and start again with a new one. A good way to make sure its the right side up is if it looks like a hat, and rolls down easily. After sex, hold the base while withdrawing to avoid spillage, then tie it up and toss it in the trash. (NO toilets or littering, we’re only animals in the bedroom.)
For internal condoms, they come with a ring on either end—one goes inside the body to anchor it, the other stays outside. If using the internal condom in the vagina or front hole, place the internal ring around the cervix, like you would a hormonal birth control ring or a menstrual dish. For the anus, you might find more comfort removing the internal ring completely and inserting the condom with your fingers.
Tip: Only use one type of condom at a time! Using an external condom with an internal one might sound like double protection, but it makes both more likely to tear.
Finding the Right Fit
Internal condoms are all one size, but did you know what external condoms can have a variety of sizes?
If you’ve ever thought condoms were uncomfortable, it might not be the condom—it might be the size. The right condom should feel snug but not tight, secure but not suffocating. A condom that’s too small can break, and a condom too large can slip off.
The key measurement is girth, not length. You can measure using a soft tape or even a strip of paper and a ruler. Wrap the tape measure or string around the base of your erect penis to take a measurement. Once you’ve got your size, you can explore brands and styles—many offer slim, regular, XL, and even custom-fit condoms.
When shopping for condoms, the size is usually located on the bottom or sides. Because brands tend to use words like “slim” “large” “magnum” instead of measurements, you might have to try on different sizes from different brands.
Preventing STBBIs (Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections)
It’s not just about pregnancy prevention. Condoms are a frontline defense against many STBBIs, but they’re part of a bigger picture. Regular testing, open communication with your partners, vaccinations (like for HPV and hepatitis B), and using condoms or dental dams are all part of a safer sex toolkit.
Remember: infections don’t always have symptoms. Getting tested isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting the people you care about. It’s responsible, respectful, and honestly, just smart. If you’re sexually active, make testing part of your routine, like brushing your teeth or doing laundry.
Consent and Condom Use
Using a condom is part of consent.
Consent should be enthusiastic, informed, and ongoing—and that includes how you protect each other. It’s also about communication.
Talk to your partner about what you like, what you need, and what makes you feel safe. Using condoms should never feel like a compromise—it should feel like self-respect, mutual care, and shared hotness.
If you and your partner agree to use one, removing it mid-sex without telling them (aka stealthing) is a violation of consent and legally considered sexual assault.
It breaks trust, violates consent, and turns what should be a shared, respectful act into a non-consensual one.
It can expose someone to STBBIs and unplanned pregnancy, and it can cause deep emotional harm. It’s a breach of bodily autonomy, and it should always be taken seriously.
If you ever experience stealthing or aren't sure what happened, you deserve support, care, and access to resources.
Wanna be a pro in bed? Make sure you give and receive FRIES consent from your partner(s)!
Freely given
Reversible
Informed
Enthusiastic
Specific
What If the Condom Breaks, Falls Off, or You Don’t Use One?
First of all, don’t panic. Condom mishaps happen, and there are things you can do. If the condom breaks or falls off during sex, stop and grab a new one. If the mood isn’t totally ruined, you can even finish your session if everyone is into it.
If you're concerned about pregnancy, you can take emergency contraception (like Plan B or Ella) as soon as possible—it's most effective within 72 hours.
For STBBI protection, you can visit a clinic to get tested or talk about preventative options like PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) if there was potential HIV exposure, or doxy PEP for other infections. If you didn’t use a condom at all, those same steps apply.
Where to Find Condoms in Alberta
Condoms are everywhere: drugstores, grocery stores, sexual health clinics, vending machines, online retailers, and yes, even gas stations. If cost is an issue, check out places like community health centres, campus collectives, sexual health clinics, or youth programs—they often give them out for free, no questions asked.
You can also find fun condom dispensers in bars or universities (sometimes with quirky branding, which honestly makes them more fun to grab). It’s smart to keep a few in your bag, wallet, or nightstand—just avoid leaving them in your car or wallet for too long, as heat and friction can mess them up.
