Supporting New and Continuing Users | Family Planning

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Ensure client understands correct use	Ask the client to explain the 5 basic steps of using a condom by putting it on a model or other object and then taking it off. When counseling, you can show the pictures in the section on Explaining How to Use Male Condoms.
Ask clients how many condoms they will need until they can return	Give plenty of condoms and, if available, a water- or silicone-based lubricant. Oil-based lubricants should not be used with latex condoms. See box below. Tell clients where they can buy condoms, if needed.
Explain why using a condom with every act of sex is important	Just one unprotected act of sex can lead to pregnancy or STI—or both. If a condom is not used for one act of sex, try to use one the next time. A mistake once or twice does not mean that it is pointless to use condoms in the future.
Explain about emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs)	Explain ECP use in case of errors in condom use—including not using a condom—to help prevent pregnancy (see Chapter 3 – Emergency Contraceptive Pills). Give ECPs, if available.
Discuss ways to talk about using condoms	Discuss skills and techniques for negotiating condom use with partners (see Bringing Up Condom Use).

How Can a Partner Help?

The client’s partner is welcome to participate in counseling and learn about the method and what support she can give to her partner. A female partner can:

Support a man’s choice of male condoms
Discuss and agree to use the male condom with a full understanding of how to use it
Help him remember to use a condom every time
Help him to use the condom correctly
Help to keep a supply on hand
Make sure she has ECPs on hand in case the condom slips or breaks, or if they forget to use it