This post is also available in: 简体中文 (Chinese (Simplified)) ไทย (Thai) 한국어 (Korean)

A condom is an ultra-thin sheath made of a variety of materials which is rolled on over the shaft of the penis. Only latex, polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms are effective at preventing the transmission of STIs and BBVs. Sheepskin condoms are not proven to prevent HIV transmission. Condoms prevent the exchange of bodily fluids during sex. However it is still possible to contract some infections, even when using a condom, because it only covers the shaft. The penis and the inside of the vagina or anus are protected by the condom, but surrounding areas are not.

Sex workers can access free or low cost condoms and other safer sex supplies from local sex worker organisations. A list of sex worker organisations in each state and territory is available here.

Using Condoms

You can apply water-based and/or silicone-based lubricant to yourself before you go into the session with a client. Latex condoms can have a drying effect so it is important to always use lubricant, and if you are new to sex work, apply more than you think you will need. Lots of foreplay will usually mean that the length of time spent having penetrative sex is reduced, however if the sex is going on for a while, reapply lubricant and/or put on a new condom to minimise the chance of condom breakage. It is a good idea to be aware of the condom all the time during sex, in case the condom has slipped off or been removed. Discreetly checking the condom frequently will help prevent this from happening.

Removing the condom – Do this immediately after ejaculation

• Hold onto the base of the condom while the penis is withdrawn – if you wait until the penis is soft, the condom can slip off or spill semen
• Tie the end of the condom
• Put the condom in tissues and dispose of in the bin
• Never reuse condoms

Handy Hints

• Shop around to find condoms to suit you and/or your clients’ needs. Carry a variety of sizes and brands with you.
• Don’t use condoms coated in spermicide (Nonoxynol-9) because it can cause irritation in and on the genital area and increase your risk of getting an STI, BBV and other infection, such as Urinary Tract Infection.
• Use only water-based (or silicon-based) lubricants and massage lotions with latex and polyisoprene condoms, because oil-based products such as Vaseline, baby oil or body lotions may cause the condom to break. You can only use oil-based lubricants safely with polyurethane condoms.
• Check the expiry date on the condom package.
• Try to use your own condoms and lube, because you know how they have been stored
• Store condoms in a safe cool place protected from sharp objects (not loose in your purse with your nail file).
• Never use two condoms on top of each other. It may seem safer, but it’s not. The condoms will rub against each other and break or slide off more easily. One condom is the safest and it’s all you need.
• Use a new condom each time you change between vaginal and anal sex.
• It may be necessary to use a new condom between oral, anal and vaginal sex because you can transfer some STIs between different parts of the body (e.g. transferring chlamydia from the throat to the genitals).
• Use a new condom for each person in a couple, threesome or group sex booking.
• Throw out used condoms in a rubbish bin. Don’t flush them down the toilet.
• Wash hands after disposing of a condom.
• Use condoms on sex toys if they aren’t your own, or if using them on clients or other workers.

Putting a condom on with your mouth

1. Make sure the condom is on the right way around and will unroll. The curled rim is on the outside.
2. Put the condom in your mouth with the teat facing the back of your throat.
3. Hold the condom between the inside of your cheek and the outside of your teeth in the side of your mouth.
4. Manoeuvre it with your tongue to the front of your mouth, between your teeth and lips, with the tip touching the teeth. Be careful because jagged or chipped teeth or tongue piercings may break the condom.
5. Squeeze the tip of the condom to remove the air by flattening the teat between your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
6. Using your mouth, place the rim of the condom around the tip of the penis and push the condom down using your lips as fingers.

Do not allow your mouth to touch any part of the penis shaft or surrounding areas. Protect yourself with the condom. Practice it with a partner or a regular client you feel comfortable with, or using a dildo.

Don’t be afraid to suck hard in a slow or fast motion. Use your tongue to play with the protected penis. When doing ‘deep throat’, keep your nose in the air to open up your throat and assume a position in which you feel most comfortable.

Lines to get your client to practice safe sex

• Using a condom/dam helps me relax and get more into it
• You will feel so good, you won’t even notice the condom
• We are protecting your health as much mine when we use safer sex practices
• These condoms are ultra-thin so you won’t feel like you have anything on at all
• Our policy is if you ask for condomless services, you get kicked out. I’ll let it pass this time
• You have two choices: you can use a condom and have a great time, or refuse to use one and go elsewhere
• Sex workers have such low rates of STIs and HIV in Australia because we practice safe sex
• I never have unsafe sex and I’m not about to start now!