It is important to consider which form of contraception is right for you and your partner. Take care to use condoms correctly, and consider using other forms of contraception for extra protection.
Advantages
- When used correctly and consistently, condoms are a reliable method of preventing pregnancy.
- They help protect both partners from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
- You only need to use them when you have sex. They do not need advance preparation and are suitable for unplanned sex.
- In most cases, there are no medical side effects from using condoms. Some people may be allergic to latex, plastic or spermicides, although this is rare. You can get condoms that have a lower risk of causing an allergic reaction.
- Male condoms are easy to get hold of and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and flavours to suit everyone.
- Female condoms (Femidoms) can be inserted up to eight hours before sex, and mean that women share the responsibility for using condoms with their partner.
Disadvantages
- Some couples find that using condoms interrupts sex. To get around this, try making condom use a part of foreplay.
- Condoms are very strong but may split or tear if not used properly.
- Some people may be allergic to latex rubber, plastic or spermicides. However, you can get condoms that have a lower risk of causing an allergic reaction.
- When using a male condom, the man has to pull out after he has ejaculated and before the penis goes soft, holding the condom firmly in place.
- When using a female condom, the man’s penis must enter the condom and not between the condom and the vagina. The open end of the condom must stay outside the vagina.
- Female condoms (Femidoms) are not as widely available as male condoms and are more expensive to buy.
Can anything make condoms less effective?
Sperm can sometimes get into the vagina during sex even when using a condom. This may happen if:
- the penis touches the area around the vagina before a condom is put on
- the condom splits
- the male condom slips off
- the female condom gets pushed too far into the vagina
- the man’s penis enters the vagina outside the female condom by mistake
- the condom gets damaged by sharp fingernails or jewellery
- you use oil-based lubricants, such as baby oil or petroleum jelly, with latex condoms - this damage the condom
- you are using medication for conditions like thrush, such as creams, pessaries or suppositories - this can damage latex condoms and stop them working properly
As well as condoms, you can use other forms of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, for extra protection against pregnancy. However, other forms of contraception will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You will still be at risk of STIs if the condom breaks.
Spermicide and Lubricants
Spermicide
Some male condoms are lubricated with spermicide, a chemical that kills sperm. These condoms are slowly being phased out as research has found that a spermicide called Nonoxinol 9 does not protect against STIs such as chlamydia and HIV and may even increase the risk of infection.
It is best to avoid using spermicide-lubricated condoms, or spermicide as an additional lubricant.
Lubricant
Condoms come ready lubricated to make them easier to use, but you may also like to use additional lubricant. This is particularly advised for anal sex to reduce the chance of the condom splitting.
Any kind of lubricant can be used with male or female polyurethane condoms. If you are using male latex condoms, do not use oil-based lubricants, such as body oil, petroleum jelly or creams, as they can damage the latex and make the condom more likely to split.
If you are using medication on your genital area, such as a cream or pessary to treat thrush, it may have an effect on latex condoms. Check the instructions or ask your doctor if the treatment will affect latex condoms.
