Condoms

What are condoms?

Condoms are a barrier method of contraception, which means they prevent the sperm meeting an egg. There are male and female condoms. Condoms are made of latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic).

How reliable are condoms?

Effectiveness depends on how carefully they're used. Male condoms are 98 per cent effective when used according to instructions. This means that using this method, two women in 100 will get pregnant in a year. Female condoms are 95 per cent effective. This means five women in 100 will get pregnant in a year.

Myths about condoms:

• Condoms are restrictive and uncomfortable. Not true - condoms come in different textures, shapes and types. Find a brand that suits you.
• Condoms may have holes in them. Not true - all condoms are tested and carry the CE quality mark. Many brands also have a kite mark to show they're reliable.

How to use male condoms

Male condoms fit over a man's erect penis. They should be used before any close genital contact.

Once the man has ejaculated but before the penis goes soft, he must withdraw holding the condom firmly in place to avoid spilling any sperm. The condom is then removed and should be disposed of carefully.

How to use female condoms

Female condoms are put into the vagina and line it loosely when in place. The closed end of the condom is inserted high into the vagina. The open, outer ring lies just outside the vagina.

After sex, the condom is removed by twisting the outer ring to keep the sperm inside and pulling it out. It should be disposed of carefully.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of condoms include:

• They're very effective
• Male condoms are easily available
• You only need to use them when you have sex
• They help to protect against some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
• Male condoms come in many different varieties, shapes and sizes
• Female condoms can be put in at any time before sex

The disadvantages of condoms include:

• Putting on a condom can interrupt sex
• Male condoms can slip off or split if used incorrectly
• When using the female condom, care is needed to ensure the penis goes inside the condom and not down the side between the condom and vagina
• Some people are sensitive to the chemicals in latex condoms, although this isn't common
• Oil-based lubricants, such as body oils or lotions, should not be used with latex condoms as the oil can dissolve the latex within minutes causing tears and holes

Condom allergy

Although in the past condom allergy was thought to be a poor excuse used by men when they didn't want to use a condom, it has become clear recently that the problem is real.

In many cases the problem seems to be an allergy to rubber. Hypoallergenic condoms are now available made from polyurethane instead of latex.

Another possibility is a sensitivity to the spermicide that lubricates the condom. If you experience any rash or irritation after intercourse, try using a condom without nonoxynol-9 or 11 spermicide to see if that helps.

For many people, a lack of lubrication is the underlying cause of the irritation. The friction caused by dry skin surfaces makes sex uncomfortable. The solution is to use extra lubricant during foreplay and intercourse. This should be water-based. Oil-based lubricants react with the condom, breaking down and weakening the latex.

To avoid dryness and the friction it brings, 'jel-charge' the condom. Expel the air from the tip of the condom, put lubricant inside the top and massage it over the penis as you role the condom on. This not only solves the problem of dryness but also heightens the sensation experienced during intercourse.

Where can I get condoms?

Condoms are available free on the NHS.

Male condoms are free and easily available from contraception clinics, sexual health clinics, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics and some general practices. They can be bought from pharmacies, supermarkets, vending machines and via mail order.

Female condoms are free from some contraception and sexual health clinics. They can be bought from some pharmacies and via mail order.

Advice and support

Call the FPA helpline on 0845 122 8690.