Why do I need to use a condom?
Condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are the only form of
protection that can help stop the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV, and prevent pregnancy.
Male and female condoms
A female condom (left) and a male condom (right)
There are two main types of condom. What is generally called a condom
is the 'male' condom, a sheath or covering which fits over a man's
penis, and which is closed at one end.
There is also now a female condom, or vaginal sheath, which is used by
a woman and fits inside the vagina. There is only one female condom
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration - the FC2 female
condom, although a number of others are sold across the world.
This page discusses the male condom, but you can find out more about
female condoms and how to use them in our female condoms page.
What are condoms made of?
Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane. If possible you
should use a latex condom, as they are slightly more reliable and in
most countries they are most readily available. Latex condoms can only
be used with water based lubricants, not oil based lubricants such as
Vaseline or cold cream as they break down the latex.
Polyurethane condoms are made from a type of plastic. They are suitable
for the small number of people who are allergic to latex. Polyurethane
condoms are thinner than latex condoms, and so can increase
sensitivity. However, they are more expensive than latex condoms and
slightly less flexible so more lubrication may be needed. Both oil and
water based lubricants can be used with them.
It's not clear whether latex or polyurethane condoms are stronger.
However, with both types the likelihood of breakages is very small if
used correctly.
Condoms, lubrication and spermicides
A range of lubricants
The lubrication on condoms varies. Some condoms are not lubricated at
all, some are lubricated with a silicone substance, and some condoms
have a water-based lubricant. The lubrication on condoms aims to make
the condom easier to put on and more comfortable to use. It can also
help prevent condom breakage.
Some condoms and lubricants contain spermicide. Spermicides are chemical products that
inactivate or kill sperm to prevent pregnancy. Condoms containing the
spermicide nonoxynol-9 were previously thought to help prevent the
transmission of HIV and other STDs. However, nonoxynol-9 sometimes
causes adverse effects, which can facilitate the transmission of HIV.
Therefore you should only use condoms and lubricants containing
nonoxynol-9 if you are HIV negative and know your partner is too.
However, using a condom (even if it contains nonoxynol-9) is much safer
than having unprotected sex.
What shapes are there and which should I
choose? What about flavoured condoms?
Condoms come in a variety of shapes. Most have a reservoir tip although
some have a plain tip. Condoms may be regular shaped (with straight
sides), form fit (indented below the head of the penis), or they may be
flared (wider over the head of the penis). Ribbed condoms are textured
with ribs or bumps, which can increase sensation for both partners.
It's up to you which shape you choose. All of the differences in shape
are designed to suit different personal preferences and enhance
pleasure. It is important to communicate with your partner to be sure
that you are using condoms that satisfy both of you.
Condoms also come in a variety of colours. Some are flavoured to make
oral sex more enjoyable. They are also safe
to use for penetrative sex as long as they have been tested and
approved.
What about the condom size?
Condoms come in a variety of shapes and sizes
Condoms are made in different lengths and widths. Different
manufacturers produce varying sizes.
There is no standard length for condoms, they are increasingly made in
a range of sizes.
The width of a condom also varies. Some condoms have a slightly smaller
width to give a 'closer' fit, whereas others will be slightly larger.
Whilst condoms are produced in a range of sizes, both length and width,
some may not be available in certain countries. However, condoms made
from natural rubber will always stretch if necessary to fit the length
of the man's erect penis. The brand names will be different in each
country, so you will need to do your own investigation of different
names.
Where can I get condoms?
Family planning and sexual health clinics provide condoms free of
charge. Condoms are available to buy from supermarkets, convenience
stores and petrol/gas stations. Vending machines selling condoms are
found in toilets at many locations. You can also order them online from
different manufacturers and distributors.
There are no age limits for buying condoms. Buying a condom no matter
how old you are shows that you are taking responsibility for your
actions.
How can I check a condom is safe to use?
In the UK, condoms that have been properly tested and approved carry
the British Standard Kite Mark or the EEC Standard Mark (CE). In the
USA, condoms should be FDA approved, and elsewhere in the world, they
should be ISO approved. Some countries have their own approval marks.
To find out more see our page about condom
effectiveness.
Condoms have an expiration (Exp) or manufacture (MFG) date on the box
or individual packet - you should not use the condom if this date has
passed. It's important to check this when you use a condom. You should
also make sure the packet and the condom appear to be in good
condition.
Condoms can deteriorate if not stored properly as they are affected by
both heat and light. So it's best not to use a condom that has been
stored in your back pocket, your wallet, or the glove compartment of
your car. If a condom feels sticky or very dry you shouldn't use it as
the packaging has probably been damaged.
So when and how do you use a condom?
You need to use a new condom every time you have sexual intercourse;
from the moment the penis first comes into contact with the vagina or
anus, until there is no contact. Never use the same condom twice.
Only put on a condom once there is a partial or full erection.
- Open the condom packet at one corner being careful not to tear the
condom with your fingernails, your teeth, or through being too rough.
Make sure the packet and condom appear to be in good condition, and
check that the expiry date has not passed.
- Place the rolled condom over the tip of the hard penis, whilst
pinching the tip of the condom enough to leave a half inch space for
semen to collect. Never unroll the condom before putting it onto the
penis. If the penis is not circumcised, pull back the foreskin before
rolling on the condom.
- Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis, and
smooth out any air bubbles. (Air bubbles can cause a condom to break.)
A video animation showing how to put on a condom.
If you want to use some extra lubrication, put it on the outside of the
condom.
Always use a water-based
lubricant (such as KY Jelly or Liquid Silk) with latex condoms, as an
oil-based lubricant will cause the latex to break.
The man wearing the condom doesn't always have to be the one putting it
on - it can be quite a nice thing for his partner to do.
If you decide to have anal intercourse after vaginal intercourse, or
vaginal intercourse after anal intercourse, you should consider
changing the condom.
When you have ejaculated or finished having sex, withdraw the penis
before it softens. Make sure you hold the condom against the base of
the penis while you withdraw, so that the semen doesn't spill.
What do you do if the condom won't unroll?
The condom should unroll smoothly and easily from the rim on the
outside. If you have to struggle or if it takes more than a few
seconds, it probably means you are trying to put the condom on upside
down. To take off the condom, don't try to roll it back up. Hold it
near the rim and slide it off. Then start again with a new condom, as
using the same one turned over could cause pregnancy, or transmit STDs.
What do you do if the condom slips up or
breaks?
Whilst you are having sex, check the condom from time to time to make
sure it hasn't split or slipped up. If it slips up, roll it back down
immediately. If it comes off you will have to withdraw and put on a new
one.
If a condom breaks during sexual intercourse, pull out quickly and
replace the condom. If the condom has broken and you feel that semen
has come out of the condom during sex, you should consider emergency
contraception such as the morning after pill and ensure that you
get checked for STDs at a clinic.
How do you dispose of a used condom?
All used condoms should be wrapped in tissue or toilet paper and thrown
in the bin. Condoms should not be flushed down the toilet as they may
cause blockages in the sewage system.
Latex condoms are made mainly from latex with added stabilizers,
preservatives and vulcanizing (hardening) agents. Latex is a natural
substance made from rubber trees, but because of the added ingredients
most latex condoms are not biodegradable. Polyurethane condoms are made
from plastic and are not biodegradable. Biodegradable latex condoms are
available from some manufacturers.
What condoms should you use for anal
intercourse?
With anal intercourse more strain is placed on the condom. You can use
stronger condoms (which are thicker) but standard condoms are just as
effective as long as they are used correctly with plenty of lubricant.
Condoms with a lubricant containing nonoxynol-9 should
NOT be used for anal sex as nonoxynol-9 damages the
lining of the rectum increasing the risk of HIV and STD transmission.
Is using a condom effective?
If used properly, a condom is very effective at reducing the risk of
HIV infection during sexual intercourse. Using a condom also provides
protection against other sexually transmitted diseases, and protection
against pregnancy. In
the laboratory, latex condoms are very effective at blocking
transmission of HIV because the pores in latex condoms are too small to
allow the virus to pass through. However, outside of the laboratory
condoms are less effective because people do not always use condoms
properly. To find out more about the effectiveness of condoms, visit
our other condoms page.
What are the other reasons to use a condom?
As well as preventing pregnancy and helping to stop the transmission of
STDs, condoms also:
- Have none of the medical side-effects that some other birth control
methods may have.
- Are available in various shapes, colours, flavours, textures and
sizes. These can all increase the fun of having sex with condoms.
- Are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience
stores. You don't need to visit a doctor or have a prescription.
- Make sex less messy.
- Are user friendly. With a little practice, they can also add
confidence to the enjoyment of sex.
How can I persuade my partner that we should
use a condom?
It can be difficult to talk about using condoms. But you shouldn't let
embarrassment become a health risk. The person you are thinking about
having sex with may not agree at first when you say that you want to
use a condom when you have sex. These are some excuses and some answers
that you could try...