What are condoms?
- Male condoms are made of very thin latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic) which is put over a man's erect penis.
- A female condom is made of very thin polyurethane. It is inserted into the vagina and loosely covers it.
- Condoms are called barrier methods of contraception and they work by stopping the sperm meeting an egg.
How effective are condoms?
- If used according to instructions the Male condom is 98% effective.
- If used according to instructions the female condom is 95% effective.
Novelty condoms are designed for fun so check the packet in case they cannot be used for contraception. You should always ensure you use good quality condoms which have the British Kite mark on them.
Where can I get condoms?
- A new c card scheme will be launched on a small scale early 2007 as it develops more c card registration and distribution points will be added. Keep a look out for promotional material and look at the Where Can I Get Help? section.
- Female condoms are free from some family planning clinics, sexual health clinics and GUM clinics. You can also buy them from a chemist or by mail order. However, they are not as widely available as male condoms.
What are the advantages of condoms?
The advantages of using condoms as a method of contraception are:
- You only need to use them when you have sex.
- They protect both partners from some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
- There are no side-effects from using condoms.
- Male condoms come in different types, shapes and sizes.
- Male condoms are widely available.
- A female condom can be put in any time before sex.
What are the disadvantages of condoms?
- Some people find condoms can interrupt sex however you can make it more fun by incorporating it into your sexual activities. Be creative!
- A male condom can sometimes slip off or split (although research shows that polyurethane condoms split more often than latex condoms).
- Some people are sensitive to the chemicals in latex condoms, though this is rare. Latex free condoms are now available if you have a sensitivity to latex.
- When using a male condom, the man has to withdraw his penis from the vagina with the condom still on as soon as he has ejaculated. He must be careful not to spill any semen (the fluid that contains sperm).
- When using a female condom, you need to make sure the man's penis goes into the condom and not between the condom and the vagina. You also need to make sure that the open end of the condom stays just outside the vagina.
Can anything make condoms less effective?
It is possible for sperm to get into the vagina during sex, even if you use a condom. This can happen if:
- the penis is in contact with the area around the vagina before a condom is put on (pre-ejaculation fluid, can leak out of the penis before ejaculation, and this can contain sperm).
- the condom splits.
- the male condom slips off the penis.
- the female condom gets pushed into the vagina.
- the man's penis enters the vagina outside the female condom.
- sharp fingernails or jewellery damage the condom.
- You use oil-based products (such as baby lotions) with latex condoms, which can damage them.
How do I use a male condom?
Follow the detailed instructions on the condom packet or in the leaflet inside the pack. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will also be able to advise you. Otherwise you can follow these instructions:
Check that your condom isn't past its use-by date. Be careful how you take it out of its foil wrapper.
Pinch the teat or closed end before you put the condom on.
Holding the teat or closed end, roll the condom right down to the base of the penis.
Remember you must use a new condom every time you have sex. Make sure the 'use by' date on the packet is not out of date. Be careful not to tear the condom on sharp fingernails and jewellery when you take it out of the packet.
How do I use a female condom?
The packet will contain a leaflet with detailed instructions on how to use a female condom. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will also be able to show you.
Remember to use a new condom every time you have sex and check the 'use by' date on the packet. Be careful not to tear the condom on sharp fingernails and jewellery when you take it out of the packet.
If you have any concerns or wish more information on condoms speak to your GP or staff at a GUM or Family Planning Clinic. You will find more detailed information on condoms at the link below.
Links
Family Planning Association: www.fpa.org.uk
