Condoms - The Facts

Condoms are thin latex rubber things that can be put over a boy's penis to stop his sperm going inside the mouth, anus or the girl’s vagina. Find out how to use a condom correctly and read our important condom tips. Used properly and every time you have sex, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and are the only form of contraception, except femidoms (female condoms), that protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

One in nine people has had an STI so the chances of catching something are surprisingly high! Condoms are available free of charge at all C Card points and Family Planning/Health Clinics There are many different sorts of condoms, for instance some are flavoured, some are ribbed or dotted. There are allergy-free versions and even vegan varieties, which use no animal products including milk- so there's no excuse for not using one.

For people who are allergic to the latex in condoms, you can ask for non latex condoms, at C Card points - some family planning/contraception and Sexual Health Service Clinics also provide these. If you prefer you can get female condoms (femidoms).from some Health Clinics The female condom is made from soft polyurethane and is put inside the vagina. It is held in place by a ring at either end. Where can I get free condoms?

Important Condom Tips

Always choose condoms that carry the European CE mark, a recognised safety standard. DO NOT use novelty condoms - they're not safe. Always put the condom on well before you start to have penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus). Use a new condom every time. Never use two condoms together - whether that is two male condoms or a female and a male condom. Heat can damage condoms so store them in a cool, dry place. Check the expiry date - condoms don't last forever.

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	How to use a Condom
1	Open the packet - be careful of rings and fingernails
2	Squeeze air out at the teat of the condom
3	Unroll on to erect penis before it goes anywhere near your partner
4	After you have ejaculated (cum), hold the base of the condom - withdraw penis before it goes limp
5	Take condom off well away from partner
6	Wrap used condom in a tissue and throw in the bin

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The Female Condom

The female condom is made from soft polyurethane and is put inside the vagina. It is held in place by a ring at either end. The female condom lines the vagina and stops sperm getting into it. There will be instructions with the packet which should be read carefully before using female condoms for the first time. If it is used properly the female condom is 95% effective, which means that 5 in every 100 women who use female condoms will get pregnant each year. Female condoms are suitable for most women. As they are made from polyurethane, they do not usually cause allergies

Advantages

• Protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as pregnancy.
• No side effects.
• Only need to use it when you have sex.

Disadvantages

• Putting it in can interrupt sex
• Can slip if not used properly.
• Not always available at family planning clinics and expensive to buy.

What makes it less effective?

• If it slips or gets pushed out of place.
• If it is not put in properly.

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Please seek medical advice from your GP, Practice Nurse or a Family Planning Clinic regarding different methods of contraception and how to use them.