Male and female condoms



in order to prevent sexually transmitted infections as well as pregnancy, you must use a barrier method of contraception. Here fpa give the facts about the most popular: condoms, for men and women.

What are they and how do they work?
Male and female condoms stop sperm meeting an egg and are called barrier methods of contraception. They're made of very thin rubber or silicone.
The effectiveness of condoms depends on how carefully they're used.
Male condoms are 98 per cent effective if used according to instructions. This means that using this method, two women in 100 will get pregnant in a year. They fit over a man's erect penis. They should be used before any close genital contact. Once the man has 'come' but before the penis goes soft, he withdraws holding the condom firmly in place to avoid spilling any sperm. The condom is then removed and should be disposed of carefully.
Female condoms are 95 per cent effective if used according to instructions. This means that using this method, five women in 100 will get pregnant in a year. They're made from thin, soft, lubricated silicone, which lines the vagina when in place. The closed end of the condom is inserted high into the vagina. The open, outer ring lies just outside your vagina. To remove the condom after sex, the outer ring is twisted to keep the sperm inside and the condom is pulled out and should be disposed of carefully.
Advantages
• They're very safe and effective.
• You only need to use them when you have sex.
• They protect against some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
• Male condoms come in many different varieties, shapes and sizes.
• Female condoms can be put in at any time before sex.


Disadvantages
• Using condoms can interrupt sex.
• Male condoms can slip off or split if used incorrectly.
• They're easily damaged by sharp fingernails or jewellery.
• You must take care that the man's penis goes inside the female condom and not down the side between the condom and the vagina.
• Female condoms are not widely available for free.


Can anyone use condoms?
Some people are sensitive to the chemicals in latex condoms.
General comments
Spermicides (chemicals that kill sperm) do not need to be used with condoms, as they do not offer any added protection.
Keep condoms where they can't be damaged by strong heat, light, damp or sharp objects.
Don't use oil-based lubricants such as body oils, lotions or petroleum jelly with male condoms as they make them more likely to split. Use water-based lubricants instead.
Where to get male and female condoms
Contraception is free on the NHS.
Male condoms are free from family planning clinics, sexual health clinics and some GPs. They can be bought from pharmacies, supermarkets, vending machines and via mail order.
Female condoms are free from some family planning clinics and some sexual health clinics. They can be bought from pharmacies and via mail order.