Safer Sex

General Guidelines

Use condoms for intercourse (vaginal and anal).
Use a latex or polyurethane barrier during all types of oral sex.
Use latex or polyurethane gloves or finger cots for hand or finger penetration of the vagina or anus.
Use condoms on sex toys used by more than one person for any type of penetration (change the condom for each person) or on toys that go from anus to vagina.
Use only water-based lubricants with latex products. Oil of any kind, Vaseline and hand lotion included, destroys latex. Steer clear of so-called water-soluble lubes, which frequently contain oil.
Store latex products in a cool, dry place.
Never re-use latex products and avoid using them after the expiration date.
If you or your partner are allergic or sensitive to latex products, do not touch them. Instead add or use non-latex alternatives: polyurethane condoms; non-latex dental dams and non-latex gloves.

Condoms

Use only latex or polyurethane condoms. Natural skin (lamb intestine) condoms are not effective barriers to viruses.
When putting condoms on, pinch the air from the reservoir tip and roll onto the penis or toy (a trapped air bubble can cause the condom to break.) Uncircumcised men should pull their foreskins back to help prevent the condom from slipping. A drop of lube inside the tip of the condom can enhance sensation for the wearer.
The actual variation in condom size is slight, but features vary between brands, so experiment to see which you like best! Try Maxx or Magnum for a larger condom, Kimono Micro-Thin or Skinless Skin for a thinner condom or the GV Condom for a roomier fit at the head.
Most condoms are lubricated with either a wet gel or a dry silicone powder. Can't stand the taste of the lubricant? Try an unlubricated brand, like dry Durex Unlubricated or a flavored brand. You may also want to try using a water-based flavored gel or lube.
Add lubricant when using a condom during intercourse to reduce friction and the chance of breakage.