All You Need To Know About Condoms

A condom is a sheath that is worn either over the penis (male condom) or inside the vagina (female condom) during sexual intercourse, for the purpose of preventing pregnancy or protecting against sexually transmitted infection.

Female condom

Female condoms are made from thin, soft plastic called polyurethane (some male condoms are made from this too). Female condoms are worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting to the womb. When used correctly during vaginal sex, they help to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the only contraception that protect against pregnancy and STIs. Currently, there is only one brand of female condom available in the UK, called Femidom.

Male Condoms

Male condoms aremade 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 Don't use out-of-date condoms.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

• When used correctly and consistently, condoms are a reliable method of preventing pregnancy.  
• They help to protect both partners from 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 variety of shapes, sizes and flavours. 

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. 

If male condoms aren't used properly, they can slip off or split. If this happens, practise putting them on so that you get used to using them properly.

Can anything make condoms less effective?

Sperm can sometimes get into the vagina during sex, even when using a condom. This may happen if:

• the penis touches the area around the vagina before a condom is put on 
• the condom splits or comes off 
• the condom gets damaged by sharp fingernails or jewellery 
• you use oil-based lubricants, such as lotion, baby oil or petroleum jelly, with latex condoms – this damages the condom  
• you are using medication for conditions like thrush, such as creams, pessaries or suppositories – this can damage latex condoms and stop them working properly

Sources: WHO.int, nhs.uk