- What is a Condom?
A condom is a very thin piece of latex (latex free also available) which is placed over an erect penis. Condoms come in many different shapes, sizes and even flavours.
What are the advantages?
- Free from sexual health clinics and condoms by post
- Widely available (can be expensive if bought)
- Can help to protect both partners from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- No effect on fertility
- No effect on periods
- Rare side effects
What are the disadvantages?
- Some people find putting it on may interrupt sex
- The man needs to withdraw as soon as he has ejaculated and before the penis goes soft, being careful not to spill any semen.
- What types of condom do I need?
A condom is a very thin piece of latex (latex free also available) which is placed over an erect penis. Condoms come in many different shapes, sizes and even flavours.
- How effective are condoms?
If used correctly every time according to instructions, they are 98% effective. However, with typical use they are estimated to be are 82% effective, this shows how important it is to use condoms correctly.
- How do I put on a condom correctly?
A condom is a very thin piece of latex (latex free also available) which is placed over an erect penis. Condoms come in many different shapes, sizes and even flavours.
- I need some top tips for using a condom correctly?
- Why do condoms sometimes break?
- The condom broke, what do we need to do now?
If not used correctly, condoms can rip, fall off or even burst during sex. If a condom breaks we recommend the following advice:
Call clinic as soon as to discuss emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is available up to 5 days after unprotected sex but it is more effective the earlier it is taken. Emergency contraception is also available for free from GPs, walk in centres, A&E and some pharmacies (please note some pharmacies may charge).
If there are concerns about HIV, call clinic as soon as possible or call 111. Medication can be offered up to 3 days after sex to help prevent the transmission of HIV.
Call or visit clinic to test for STI's. Remember there are waiting times for each infection (read more in STI testing to find out when you should test).
Visit our guide to putting on a condom correctly, this will help make sure the condom doesn’t rip or break again.