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 Don't use out-of-date condoms.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.
How to use a condom
take the condom out of the packet, taking care not to tear it with jewellery or fingernails – do not open the packet with your teeth
place the condom over the tip of the erect penis
if there's a teat on the end of the condom, use your thumb and forefinger to squeeze the air out of it
gently roll the condom down to the base of the penis
if the condom won't roll down, you're probably holding it the wrong way round – if this happens, throw the condom away because it may have sperm on it, and try again with a new one
after sex, withdraw the penis while it's still erect – hold the condom onto the base of the penis while you do this
remove the condom from the penis, being careful not to spill any semen
throw the condom away in a bin, not down the toilet
make sure the man's penis does not touch his partner's genital area again
if you have sex again, use a new condom
Condoms with spermicide
Some male condoms come with spermicide on them. Spermicide's a chemical that kills sperm. These condoms are slowly being phased out as research has found that a spermicide called nonoxynol 9 does not protect against STIs such as chlamydia and HIV, and may even increase the risk of infection. It is best to avoid using spermicide-lubricated condoms, or spermicide as an additional lubricant.
Advantages
when used correctly and consistently, condoms are a reliable method of preventing pregnancy
they help protect both partners from sexually transmitted infections (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 wide 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.
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