Condoms

There are 2 types of condoms:

• external condoms, worn on the penis – sometimes called male condoms
• internal condoms, worn inside the vagina – sometimes called female condoms

When used correctly every time you have sex, male condoms are 98% effective. This means 2 out of 100 people will become pregnant in 1 year when male condoms are used as contraception. Oil-based products – such as moisturiser, lotion and Vaseline – can damage latex and polyisoprene condoms, but they are safe to use with polyurethane condoms.

Water-based lubricant is safe to use with all condoms.

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 are not 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 does not 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. Do not use out-of-date condoms.

For a free and confidential STI check-up and Where to get Emergency Contraception

Order a Postal Test Kit  Book an appointment online

Where to get Emergency Contraception

Condoms should be used every time you have penetrative sex (vaginal, oral or anal) or if you are sharing sex toys. A condom should be put on before your genitals come into contact with each other.

Step by step guide to putting on a condom

1. Check that the condom packet is in a good condition, if it’s worn or damaged the condom could be too, so don’t use it.
2. Check that the condom is in date. This is printed on the package of each condom and the box they come in. Condoms usually last 2-3 years. If your condom is out of date don’t use it.
3. Check for the British Kite Mark and European CE Mark this will tell you the condom is well made to high standards and is safe to use.
4. Before opening a condom package push the condom to one side in the pack and then tear down the side avoiding tearing the condom within.
5. Check the condom is the correct way up. It should look like a Mexican Sombrero hat.
6. Pinch the tip of the condom between your thumb and forefinger to get rid of any air, this will avoid the condom breaking, it also allows somewhere for ejaculate to go.
7. Put the condom on the penis as soon as it is erect (hard) or on the sex toy before it goes near anyone’s mouth, vagina or anus.
8. Use your hand to roll the condom down the penis or sex toy all the way to the base. If it won’t unroll you may have it on the wrong way round, if this happens do not flip it over (otherwise pre ejaculate could then be on the outside of the condom causing a possible pregnancy risk) Instead discard the condom and start with a new one.
9. If you are having anal sex you should use additional water based lubricant which can be applied directly to the anus and on the outside of the condom. This is because the anus is a small opening and also because the anus isn’t self-lubricating, lubricant is require to avoid friction, discomfort and pain. If you or your partner experience pain, stop immediately.
10. Check the condom is in place during sex.
11. After ejaculation, hold the condom at the base and withdraw the penis. Then take off the condom, wrap in tissue and throw it in the bin, don’t flush it down the toilet.

• Do use a new condom each time you have sex
• Don’t use two condoms at once, it’s not safer, the friction is more likely to break the condom
• Do check the expiry date, British Kite mark and European CE mark
• Don’t use oil based lube with condoms, as they can reduce their effectiveness and damage the condom
• Do take care with sharp or long nails and jewellery around condoms, as they can tear condoms
• Don’t open condoms with your teeth
• Do use water-based lube
• Don’t use a condom if the package looks damaged
• Do make sure the condom fits properly. Sometimes it helps to try a range of condoms in advance to find a fit that feels right for you. Make sure it’s rolled down to the base of the penis or sex toy.
• Don’t flip over a condom if it won’t roll down, get a new one

What to do

If the condom broke or you didn’t use one you could be at risk of having an STI, contact us to make an appointment for an STI test. Call 0300 303 2880.

If the condom broke or you didn’t use one you could also be at risk of unwanted pregnancy. You can obtain free emergency contraception from any bSHaW sexual health clinic. It is more effective the earlier it is taken. Call 0300 303 2880 for appointments or find out about our walk-in and wait clinics at Brookside, Aylesbury and SHAW, High Wycombe

If you think you have been exposed to HIV you can make an appointment to arrange emergency PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) it must be taken within 72 hours of exposure, but the sooner you take PEP the better. Call 0300 303 2880 to make an appointment.

However, please be aware that all clinics are closed on Bank Holidays, therefore in case of an emergency you should go to A&E at Stoke Mandeville Hospital for sexual exposure and for occupational exposure the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) or A&E.

• • NHS Website
  • Brook

You have to be 16 to legally (by law) be able to consent to sex. You must also be able to do so freely and have capacity to do so regardless of your age. Find out more about consent here.

There is no minimum age to buy condoms. You are entitled to free confidential contraception before the age of 16, this includes condoms. Condoms give you protection from unwanted pregnancy and added protection from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and HIV.

Anyone can access free condoms from bSHaW Find out here how to access free condoms