Male condoms (external)

When is it needed?

During each sexual act including vaginal, oral and anal sex Effectiveness Consistent and correct use 98% Common use >87%

How it works

By forming a barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina, anus or mouth

Advantages

• Condoms are the only form of contraception which offers protection from STIs and HIV

• Easy to use

• Easy to carry

• Used only when needed

• Freely or cheaply available in many locations Disadvantages

• If used incorrectly, condoms can break, slip off or become contaminated

• Some people are allergic to latex

• A new one must be used for each sex act

• Not as effective at preventing pregnancy as many other modern methods

A condom is the only way to prevent both unintended pregnancies and STIs, so it is important that you use them every time you have sex and know how to use them correctly. Condoms are most effective at preventing pregnancy when used alongside another effective method of contraception.

Steps to putting on a condom:

• Always make sure both you and your partner want to have sex and you’ve both consented first

• Check the expiry date on your condom

• Carefully open the condom packaging with your fingers. Don’t use teeth or sharp objects like scissors to tear the packet

• Make sure the condom is facing the right way so that it rolls easily down the base of the penis

• Grab the base of the penis with one hand and pinch the top of the condom with the other hand, guiding it on to the tip of the penis

• Using one or both hands, glide the condom down the shaft of the penis, all the way to the bottom

• Use lubrication (like a water-based lube) to help make sex more enjoyable and to help prevent the condom from tearing

• After having sex, use your hands to hold on to the condom as you exit your partner

• Take the condom off by keeping the liquid inside and tie a knot

• Use a tissue to put the used condom in the rubbish, not the toilet

• Clean up afterwards
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