Condoms
There are two types of condoms – male condoms, which are worn on the penis, and female condoms, which are worn inside the vagina. This page is about male condoms, where you can get them and how they work.
Male condoms are made from very thin latex (rubber), polyisoprene or polyurethane, and are designed to stop a man's semen from coming into contact with his sexual partner.
When condoms are used correctly during vaginal sex they help to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
When used correctly during anal and oral sex, they help to protect against STIs. Condoms are the only contraception that protect against pregnancy and STIs.
Male condoms are made from very thin latex (rubber), polyisoprene or polyurethane, and are designed to stop a man's semen from coming into contact with his sexual partner.
When condoms are used correctly during vaginal sex they help to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
When used correctly during anal and oral sex, they help to protect against STIs. Condoms are the only contraception that protect against pregnancy and STIs.
At a glance: condoms
- If used correctly every time you have sex, male condoms are 98% effective. This means that two out of 100 women using male condoms as contraception will become pregnant in one year.
- You can get free condoms from contraception clinics, sexual health clinics and some GP surgeries.
- Oil-based products, such as moisturiser, lotion and Vaseline, can make latex condoms less effective, but they are safe to use with condoms made from polyurethane or polyisoprene.
- Water-based lubricant, available in pharmacies and sexual health clinics, is safe to use with all condoms, including latex ones.
- It's possible for a condom to slip off during sex. If this happens, you may need emergency contraception, and to get checked for STIs.
- Condoms need to be stored in places that aren't too hot or cold, and away from sharp or rough surfaces that could tear them or wear them away.
- Putting on a condom can be an enjoyable part of sex, and doesn't have to feel like an interruption.
- If you're sensitive to latex, you can use polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms instead.
- A condom must not be used more than once. Use a new one each time you have sex.
- Condoms have a use-by date on the packaging. Don't use out-of-date condoms.
- Always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet. This means that they've been tested to European safety standards. Condoms that don't have the CE mark won't meet these standards, so don't use them.
Advantages and disadvantages of condoms
It is important to consider which form of contraception is right for you and your partner. Take care to use condoms correctly, and consider using other forms of contraception for extra protection.
Advantages
Disadvantages
It is important to consider which form of contraception is right for you and your partner. Take care to use condoms correctly, and consider using other forms of contraception for extra protection.
Advantages
- when used correctly and consistently, condoms are a reliable method of preventing pregnancy
- they help protect both partners from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV
- you only need to use them when you have sex – they do not need advance preparation and are suitable for unplanned sex
- in most cases, there are no medical side effects from using condoms
- male condoms are easy to get hold of and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and flavors
Disadvantages
- some couples find that using condoms interrupts sex – to get around this, try to make using a condom part of foreplay
- condoms are very strong but may split or tear if not used properly
- some people may be allergic to latex, plastic or spermicides – you can get condoms that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction
- when using a male condom, the man has to pull out after he has ejaculated and before the penis goes soft, holding the condom firmly in place
For more information visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/contraception.aspx