Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Condom Demonstration
1. Explain to the person/couple the importance of:
• Using condoms for protection from genital tract infections, including STIs, (as
well as for prevention of pregnancy if this is the person’s/couple’s contraceptive
choice).
• Using a new condom every time, with every act of intercourse
• Checking the manufacture date and the expiration date on the package when
buying condoms
• Placing the condom on the erect penis before any sexual contact (for both
contraceptive protection and/or for the prevention of STIs as some semen may be
released during foreplay).
• Not using vaseline, cooking oil or grease to lubricate the condom as any of these
will weaken the condom quickly and allow it to break during intercourse. Most
condoms are already lubricated. If not, one should use a contraceptive jelly or
foam, or spit, for lubrication.
2. Verify the expiration date on the condom package and show the person/couple how to
verify it. Tell the person/couple not to use condoms if the expiration date has passed.
3. Verify the integrity of the package. Tell the person/couple:
• If the package is already open, the condom may not be in good condition.
• Not to leave condoms for long periods of time in warm places (for example, in
automobile glove boxes in the summer heat nor in men’s wallets in the back
pocket).
4. Open the package gently where indicated. Explain that it is important not to damage
the condom when opening the package. Remove the condom.
5. Verify the integrity of the condom. Explain that if the condom is dry and stiff or like
paper, it should not be used.
6. Show the person/couple how to verify that the condom is right side out (so that it can
be unrolled easily down the penis): hold the condom with the rolled side up/out.
7. With one hand, grasp the tip of the condom and with the other hand guide its
application on the model. Explain the importance of pinching the tip of the condom
to be sure that there is no air in the tip and thus to leave room for the semen during
ejaculation. Explain that if there is air in the tip of the condom, the condom may
break during ejaculation or the air may push the semen up the sides of the condom,
causing leakage and loss of protection.
8. Unroll the condom to the base of the model.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 4: FP Methods