Sexual health and HIV information for black gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men.


The condom itself hasn't changed much in 70 years but the availability of them certainly has. From the humble corner shop to almost every garage forecourt and public house you’ll find an array of different condoms on offer. One thing these venues have in common is the price they charge for condoms. A packet of 3 condoms can cost anything from £3.00 - £5.00 sterling. A lot of money when you consider that for the same £3.00 the freedoms scheme can provide 20 condoms and 15 sachets of lubrication. Most of the gay venues in London stock freedoms packs that contain 2 condoms and sachets and these are totally free. You can also get free condoms from health centres and sexual health clinics across the United Kingdom.

It is worth remembering that condoms, used correctly, minimize the risk of getting and passing on sexually transmitted infections including HIV. All to often in the heat of the moment condoms are either put on incorrectly which can cause the condom to break. Use lots of lube on the outside of the condom especially for anal sex and never use two condoms one on top of the other. Again this will cause damage. Try different condoms until you find the one that suits you best, and never use oil-based lubrications such as baby oil.

Sex should be fun and enjoyable. Condoms offer piece of mind and protection from a host of unwanted infections as well as unwanted pregnancy. Most people would prefer not to use condoms at all however unless you’re in a relationship in which you can openly discuss the pros and cons of giving up condom use then there is no alternative to truly safer sex, whether with a man or a women.   Next month we move on to talk about what to do if you think you may have a sexually transmitted infection. Be safe.

Simon Nelson has been working in the field of HIV and AIDS since the early 1990’s. He started his career having worked as a buddy volunteer for the Terrence Higgins Trust. Since 1998 he has been a health promotion specialist with Camden and Islington Health Promotion Service and was partly responsible for setting up and running last year’s Mr. Black Gay UK held at the Sound nightclub, Leicester Square in London. He is currently managing the freedoms scheme, the world’s largest free condom distribution scheme, offering all gay venues within London access to free condoms and lube.