Condoms
Free condoms
Condoms are usually free from family planning clinics and youth agencies (see below).
Look after your condoms
It makes sense to carry condoms at all times instead of relying on a partner. Doing this is not a sign of being promiscuous but shows that the person has a responsible attitude towards sex.
However, condoms are fragile and are sensitive to heat (including bodyheat), so don’t rely on a condom you’ve carried in your wallet for more than 3 days! There’s enough heat and friction to weaken the condom.
As a general rule, if you're going out, take 3 condoms with you (3 because if the first one breaks or you put it on backwards –you have another 2 as backup!). If you don’t use them, take them out of your pocket at the end of the evening.
Remember, if the packet looks worn or tired – bin them and get some fresh ones!
How effective are they?
- If used according to instructions, condoms are 98% effective. This means that 2 women in every 100 will get pregnant in a year.
- If it is not used according to instructions then the chance of pregnancy is higher.
- Condoms hate 3 things, heat, sunlight and oil. If used correctly and with extra waterbased lubricant, this can reduce friction significantly and can increase their effectiveness to 100 % (but ask a health adviser for more information)
How do they work?
- They are made of very thin rubber or polyurethane.
- A condom is put over the erect penis and stops sperm from entering the other person’s body.
- The wrapper should be opened carefully; sharp finger nails, teeth and rings can cause rips.
- The teat, or closed end, is pinched when putting it on to leave space for the semen.
What are the advantages of using condoms?
- Can protect both partners from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV as well as preventing pregnancy
- Men can take responsibility for contraception (this is the only contraception that protects against transmission of STIs)
- No side-effects (some people may be sensitive to the lubricant or flavours they put in some condoms. If when having sex, if you or your partner feel any burning or stinging and you think it’s the condom, change brands)
- Many different varieties to choose from
- Free from family planning clinics and also sold widely
Are there any problems with using condoms?
- Some people feel that stopping to put a condom on can interrupt sex.
- If not used correctly, they can come off or split
- The man needs to withdraw as soon as he has 'cum', otherwise the condom can come off and spill semen.
What other things should I know?
- The condom should be on before the penis enters the other person.
- Make sure the condom packet has a BSI Kitemark or CE mark
- Check the condom hasn't passed its expiry date (when condoms are made, they generally have an expiry date 5 years from when they are made. So you know that if you pick up a condom and it expires next year, the condom’s been kicking around for about 4 years (might be a good idea to get some newer ones!)
- Oil based products should not be used with condoms as they damage them. eg vaseline, baby oil, massage oil, suntan oils and crèmes, even some hair-gels are oil based, and bad news if you touch your hair then touch your willy!
- Stronger condoms are recommended for anal sex, however, thick or thin, the anus doesn’t self lubricate, so it’s very important to use plenty of water-based lubricant to help prevent them splitting.
- A condom should only be used once
Where do I get condoms from?
Condoms can be obtained free from:
- Some GPs' surgeries
- Family planning clinics
- Young people's service
- Some genitourinary medicine (GUM) and sexual health clinics
Or you can buy condoms at:
- Chemists / supermarkets
- Dispensing machines in public toilets – Remember! If it hasn’t got the CE or Kite mark, chances are they are just a novelty condom and there’s no guarentee of the quality of the latex or the condom itself. Condoms with extra things, and flavours are generally for fun, but are more prone to splitting!
- Garages
