Condoms
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Male Condoms Effectiveness: 98 per cent effective if used according to instructions. Two women in 100 will get pregnant in a year. How it works: Made of very thin latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic) it is put over the erect penis and stops sperm from entering the woman’s vagina. Advantages: • Free from contraception, sexual health and GUM clinics, young people’s services, some general practices and sold widely. • Can help protect both partners from some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. • No medical side-effects. • Additional spermicide is not needed or recommended. Disadvantages: • Putting it on can interrupt sex. • May slip off or split if not used correctly or is the wrong size or shape. • Man needs to withdraw as soon as he has ejaculated and before the penis goes soft, being careful not to spill any semen. Comments: • Must be put on before the penis touches the woman’s genital area. • Oil based products damage latex condoms, but can be used with polyurethane condoms. • Available in different shapes, sizes and types. • Advised to use extra lubricant when using condoms for anal sex. Female condom Effectiveness 95 per cent effective if used according to instructions. Five women in 100 will get pregnant in a year. How it works: A soft, thin polyurethane sheath loosely lines the vagina and covers the area just outside, and stops sperm from entering the vagina. Advantages: • Can be put in any time before sex. • Can help protect both partners from some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. • Oil based products can be used with female condoms. • No medical side-effects. • Additional spermicide is not needed or recommended. Disadvantages: • Putting it in can interrupt sex. • Need to make sure the man’s penis enters the condom and not between the vagina and the condom. • May get pushed into the vagina. • Not as widely available as male condoms. Comments: • Use a new condom each time and follow the instructions carefully. • Sold in some pharmacies and is free at some contraception clinics and young people’s services, general practices and GUM clinics. |
