Used during sexual intercourse to protect against unwanted pregnancy, condoms act as a barrier to prevent the male sperm reaching the egg (ova) of a woman and being able to fertilise the egg. Modern condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, meaning only two women out of every 100 who has used a condom during sex will get pregnant.
Made from very thin latex or other types of rubber, the condom must be used correctly to guarantee effectiveness. The condom is removed from a sealed packet and rolled on to an erect penis. Be careful not to tear the thin sheath. After intercourse, whether anal or vaginal, the condom should be removed from the still erect penis and disposed off carefully in a bin, taking care not to spill its contents on to your partner.
If you aren’t used to using condoms or are inexperienced sexually, practise putting a condom on so you know how to roll the sheath properly, without tearing or ripping it, and ensuring it stays in place during intercourse.
There may be occasions when a condom does split or slip during sex and your female partner should seek emergency contraception to ensure there is no unwanted pregnancy.
Condoms are sensitive to air conditions so keep them in a cool, dry place and ensure they cannot be ripped or torn. Check for a CE mark on the packet of any condoms you are buying – this is a guarantee that they meet European safety standards and any without the CE mark may not offer the correct protection.
The biggest plus mark for condoms is that they can protect you and your sexual partners from dangerous STIs such as HIV. Free condoms are available from sexual health clinics and contraceptive clinics, and are available to buy in pharmacies and other stores. Some people who are sensitive to latex find condoms made from polyurethane or polyisoprene are better.