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Condoms are the most effective weapons we have to protect against HIV.

Condoms work – condoms can keep you healthy.

Condoms can stop you catching HIV.

Condoms can stop you passing on HIV to other people.

If you are already HIV positive condoms can stop you becoming reinfected with another more serious strain of HIV.

Condoms can also reduce the risk of you catching other sexually transmitted infections.

Research has shown that standard strength condoms are just as safe as extra strong condoms for anal sex. The main thing to remember is to use condoms properly. Open the packet carefully and slowly roll it on to your cock.

Use plenty of water or silicone based lube and, if you’re having sex for more than 45 minutes, it’s safer to change condoms and lube up again. The lubes to avoid are the oil-based ones as they weaken the rubber in condoms.

Using two condoms (‘double-bagging’) is less safe than using one. So is putting lube inside the condom. So these are both no-nos!

Free condoms are available in many gay venues and in clinics throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians via c:card. They are also available free by post from www.healthygayscotland.com. 

If you have HIV, there could be serious legal consequences if you have unprotected sex with someone and end up infecting them.

Condoms can protect - regularly using condoms is the most effective tool we all have to stop the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

HIV: The Comeback Tour is funded by NHS Lothian and is a partnership project involving the following organisations:

Website by James Whyte, Gay Men’s Health