Playin' It Safe

What is a condom and how does it work?

A condom is made of very thin latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic). A male condom fits over the penis when it is erect. It works by collecting sperm and stopping it from going into the woman's vagina and/or coming into contact with your partner. It is 99% effective when used according to the instructions.

What are the advantages?

• Condoms are available free from Time 4U, Sexual Health services and sites that have signed up to the C-card scheme
• They are easy to use
• They help protect both partners from STIs, including HIV
• There are no side effects from using condoms and are suitable for people who do not want to use hormonal methods of contraception
• They come in various shapes and sizes to suit everyone
• Men can take responsibility for contraception

What are the disadvantages?

• Occasionally condoms may slip off or split if they are not used correctly. If this happens contact a Sexual Health service, Time 4U or doctor (GP) for advice about emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is available for women under 21 from some local pharmacies
• Man needs to withdraw as soon as he has ejaculated and must be careful not to spill any semen (sperm)
• In rare situations, some people are sensitive to latex. Latex free condoms are available
• Oil based products such as massage oil or petroleum jelly should not be used with latex condoms as the oil damages the latex, making them likely to split

How to use a condom

1. You must put the condom on as soon as the penis is erect and before there has been any genital contact
2. Open the foil packet carefully, take care not to damage the condom. Fingernails, teeth or jewellery could tear the rubber
3. Check the condom is the right way up. If it is upside down it will not unroll and the condom must be thrown away if it has come into contact with the penis, as semen could have contaminated the outside of the condom. Air trapped inside a condom can cause it to split. Pinch the closed end of the condom with your forefinger and thumb to remove the air and place the condom over the penis
4. Whilst still squeezing the closed end gently unroll the condom down the full length of the penis
5. Check the condom stays in place during sex
6. Soon after ejaculation (coming) hold onto the condom as the penis is withdrawn from partner's body. Remove the condom, taking care not to let any semen come into contact with your partner's body
7. Dispose of the condom by wrapping it in a tissue and putting it in a bin

Never use a condom more than once! A new condom should be used each time for sex.

Condoms with the BS Kite Mark have been tested to safety standards and are suitable to use during sex. Out of date condoms are likely to split and therefore won't be effective.

It is important to use water based lubricants (e.g. KY Jelly, WET, Senselle etc). Oils can destroy latex condoms. Condom failure is rare if used correctly. Flavoured condoms are designed to minimise risk of infection during oral sex.

C-Card Scheme

If you are under 13-18 years old and would like to get free condoms you can sign up to your local C-Card Scheme.