Key Facts about Condoms

Male Condom

Female Condom

Pros & cons

• You only need to use them when you have sex.
• Male and female condoms protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
• You can put a female condom in up to eight hours before before you have sex.
• Condoms are up to 95% to 98% effective when used correctly.
• Sometimes they can split.
• Some people are allergic to the latex used in male condoms.
• Female condoms can slip or get pushed up into the vagina if not used properly.

Where to get them

Condoms are available from healthcare professionals as well as to buy from retail/online shops. You can get a prescription for condoms from your nurse or doctor. Prices vary depending on where you go and the appointment fee in place.  Click here to find your nearest service.

Male Condom

Male condoms protect against unwanted pregnancy by stopping the sperm contained in semen coming into contact with the vagina (which could lead to an egg being fertilised).

A male condom covers the penis and acts as a barrier between it and the mouth, vagina, penis or anus. This prevents sexual fluids being transferred between partners, which provides protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Female Condom

Female condoms line the vagina and protect against unwanted pregnancy by stopping the sperm contained in semen coming into contact with a vagina (which could lead to an egg being fertilised).

They also stop sexual fluids being transferred between partners which provides protection against STIs.

Male Condom

Pros

• Condoms are the only method that protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• You only need to use them when you have sex.
• There are no serious side effects.
• They come in different shapes, sizes, textures, colours and flavours which can make sex more fun.
• They’re easily available.
• You can use them in addition to other methods (e.g. the pill, implant, injection) for extra protection.

Cons

• Sometimes they can split or slip off – if this happens or you are worried you may need emergency contraception.
• Some people are allergic to the latex used in condoms. This is rare but latex free polyurethane condoms are also available.
• Some people find talking about condoms awkward.

Female Condom

Pros

• Female condoms protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• You can put them in up to eight hours before before you have sex.
• You only need to use them when you have sex.
• There are no side effects.
• When used correctly they are up to 95% effective at protecting against pregnancy.
• You can use them in addition to other methods (e.g. the pill, implant, injection) for extra protection.
• Female condoms are made of polyurethane and are slightly wider than other condoms.
• You can use female condoms if you are using medication in the genital area, such as creams, suppositories or pessaries.
• You can use any lubrication with them including: body oils, creams, lotions or petroleum jelly.

Cons

• They can slip or get pushed up into the vagina if not used properly – if this happens or you are worried you may need emergency contraception.
• You need to make sure the penis goes into the condom and not between the condom and the vagina.
• They are not always available from your healthcare professional and can be more expensive to buy than other condoms.

Where to get condoms?

Condoms are available from healthcare professionals as well as to buy from retail/online shops. You can get a prescription for condoms from your nurse or doctor. Prices vary depending on where you go and the appointment fee in place. Click here to find your nearest service.

What do I do if a condom splits?

If the condom has broken, split, slipped off or you’re worried it was used incorrectly, you should get checked for an STI test and emergency contraception if there is a risk of unwanted pregnancy.