Condoms

Female condoms are made from thin, soft plastic called polyurethane (some male condoms are made from this too). Female condoms are worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting to the womb.

Currently, there is only one brand of female condom available in the UK, called Femidom.

When condoms are used correctly during vaginal sex, they help to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the only contraception that protect against both pregnancy and STIs.

When used correctly during anal and oral sex, they help to protect against STIs.

Female condoms are 95% effective.This means that five out of 100 women using female condoms as contraception will become pregnant in a year.

How to use a male condom

1. You or your partner can put the condom on the penis. This could become part of ‘foreplay’ so that it does not happen at the last minute.
2. Put the condom on as soon as the penis becomes hard and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partner’s body
3. Squeeze the tip carefully between the finger and thumb to push out trapped air. Then place the rolled condom over the tip of the penis making sure the ring is on the outside.
4. Still squeezing the end, gently unroll down the full length of the penis. If this proves difficult, check that the condom is not inside out. If it is take it off and start again with a new condom. Do not turn the condom around and use it.
5. If extra lubrication is needed, use only water based products e.g. KY Jelly. Do not use oil based products e.g. Vaseline or baby oil as they damage condoms very quickly.
6. After ejaculation, withdraw the penis carefully, holding the condom at the base to prevent it slipping off.
7. Check the condom is still intact.
8. Make sure the penis is clear of the partner before removing the condom.
9. Having removed the condom, avoid any further genital contact.
10. Wrap the used condom in a tissue and dispose of it hygienically in a bin, not down the toilet.
11. Never use a condom more than once. Always use a new condom in between sex.

Female condoms

Female condoms need to be stored in places that aren’t too hot or too cold, and away from sharp or rough surfaces that could tear them or wear them away.

• A female condom needs to be placed inside the vagina before there is any contact between the vagina and the penis.
• A female condom can get pushed too far into the vagina, but it’s easy to remove it yourself.

If you are aged between 16-25 year old you can get FREE condoms from us through the C-card scheme. Alternatively you can buy condoms from many shops and supermarkets. Please ensure you always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet. This means 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.