Condoms (Male & Female)

CARA (Charity No. 1135610) distributes free condoms and sexual health information about HIV/AIDS and other STIs. Condoms are a form of barrier contraception. They prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching an egg. They can also help to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, being passed from one sexual partner to another. They are used for penetrative sex (vagina or anus) and oral sex to protect against STIs.

Condoms are made from very thin latex rubber or a very thin plastic, either polyisoprene or polyurethane. Each pack should display either the British BSI Kitemark or the European CE symbol as proof of quality, and clearly state the expiry date of the condoms. Out of date condoms should not be used. Both male and female condoms are available in the UK and are suitable for most people. The male condom fits over a man’s erect penis. The female condom is put into the vagina and loosely lines it. It is up to you and your partner which type of condom you use. There are many different varieties and brand names of the male condom. At the moment there is only one brand of female condom available in the UK, called Femidom.

What types of condoms can I get?
Come Correct provides you with lots of choice so that you can find a condom that suits you.

Lubrication (Lube)
Every time you pick up condoms you’ll also be given a couple of packets of lube.

Although condoms are already lubricated, using extra lube can prevent the condom tearing and make sex more pleasurable.

Lube is especially important during anal sex, but can also be useful for vaginal sex.

Only use water-based lubricants on latex condoms - never use oil-based lubricants or baby oil as they can damage your condom risking the chance of an unwanted pregnancy, getting or passing on a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Important Facts about condoms
Getting used to condoms can take a little practice, but it doesn't take long before they start to feel like an essential part of your sex life. The important facts to remember are as follow:

• Always put the condom on before you start to have penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus). If you are having a long sex session, change condoms after a while.

• Never use two condoms together - whether that is two male condoms or a female and a male condom.

• Oral sex using a condom can protect against many STIs - try using flavoured condoms for variety.

• Sex can feel better if you place lubricant in the tip of the condom before putting it on your penis. This is called 'gel-charging'.

• Condoms come in a large range of sizes/lengths – so experiment to find one that works for you.

Things to remember:

• Always choose condoms that carry the European CE mark - a recognised safety standard. DO NOT use novelty condoms - they're not safe. Heat can damage condoms so store them in a cool, dry place.

• Check the expiry date - condoms don't last forever. Buy condoms before going on holiday to avoid problems with language and quality.

What if the condom breaks?
If the condom breaks or if you forget to use one, don’t panic! There are a number of things that you can do

Emergency Contraception (the morning after pill)
Worried about getting pregnant? If you’re not using any other types of contraception there is something called Emergency Contraception that can prevent you from getting pregnant. The most common form is one pill called Levonelle that you take straight away. You can take this up to 3 days (72 hours) after you had sex, but it is more effective if you take it as soon as possible.

The emergency pill can be accessed for free at CHYPS plus, CHOICES clinics and at Brook clinics (go to the ‘SEXUAL HEALTH’ page for more information). Most of the pharmacies that offer Come Correct also offer it free of charge. You can find details of all of the pharmacies on the locations page.

If you had unprotected sex more than three days ago there may still be options open to you such as fitting an IUD (coil) which will work up to 5 days after sex. This has to be done at a clinic.

For more information take a look at the CHYPS Plus website http://www.chypsplus.nhs.uk/contraception#emergency

Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections
If the condom breaks you should also think about going to a clinic to have a check up. You can get Sexually Transmitted Infections from vaginal, anal and oral sex and some of them may have no symptoms. You can get a full screening at CHYPS plus, CHOICES clinics and at Brook clinics (go to the ‘Sexual health’ page for more information). Pharmacies also offer self testing kits for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.

For more information on the different types of Sexually Transmitted Infections please go to http://www.sho-me.nhs.uk/your-sexual-health/stis.aspx

If you’ve never visited a sexual health clinic before and are nervous about going there is information on the Brook website about what you can expect at Brook http://www.brook.org.uk/about-visiting-a-centre

PEP
PEP or Post Exposure Prophylaxis is a treatment to stop some being infected with HIV after it enters their body. If you have had sex without a condom (or if a condom breaks) with someone who is HIV positive or who might have HIV then it is sometimes possible to access ‘PEP.’ PEP is a series of pills that if started within 72 hours of sex can stop the HIV virus from infecting you. The treatment last for 4 weeks and can have nasty side effects like being sick, getting diarrhoea and having headaches so it is only given out if you are at high risk.

Go to http://www.tht.org.uk/informationresources/hivandaids/postexposureprophylaxis for more information and to assess your risk levels.

Contraception Comparison
Condoms and Femidoms are the only forms of contraception that protect against STIs as well as pregnancy. However it is worth thinking about other forms of contraception in addition to the condom to get extra protection.

Click here to look at the different forms of contraception and how they compare.

Related topics
* Sexual Health Advice & Leaflets