Male Condoms
What it is?
A male condom is made of very thin latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic) and fits over the man’s erect penis. Most condoms are lubricated to make them easier to use.
How it works
Condoms are a barrier method of contraception. They stop the sperm from entering the woman’s vagina, preventing it from meeting the egg.The condom should be placed over the erect penis before any vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact.
- Check the expiry date
- The condom should be held at the tip and unrolled over the erect penis
- Leave space at the tip ensuring there is no trapped air
- Most condoms are already lubricated but you can use more if required (only use water-based lubricants with latex condoms as oil-based lubricants can weaken the latex making them less effective)
- Immediately after ejaculation has taken place, the condom should be carefully removed before the penis softens
It should then be disposed of appropriately.
You should not reuse condoms or wear more than one at any one time.
The instructions should be read carefully before using a condom for the first time. It can be helpful to practice putting on a condom before having sex for the first time.
Advantages
- Protects against STIs as well as pregnancy
- Can be used during oral sex to prevent STIs
- Only need to use them when you have sex
- Available without prescription and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and flavours
- Does not affect future fertility
- There are no side effects unless you are allergic to latex
- May reduce women’s risk for developing pre-cancerous cells on the cervix
Disadvantages
- Putting it on can interrupt sex
- Can reduce sensitivity and some users may find it difficult to maintain an erection during condom use
- Can break or leak if not used properly
- Possible allergic reaction
- Can slip off if not used properly
- The man needs to withdraw carefully straight after ejaculation
How effective is it?
If used properly male condoms are 98% effective.
The chance of pregnancy is increased if not used correctly.
What makes it less effective?
- If the penis touches the area around the vagina before a condom is put on
- If it is ripped by sharp nails or rings
- Using oil-based products can weaken the latex
- If it slips off
If any of these happen, advice should be sought on emergency contraception to prevent a pregnancy.
Can anyone use this method?
Male condoms are suitable for most people. Some men and women are allergic to rubber or spermicides used in condoms. In such cases, it is possible to use polyurethane condoms or latex condoms without spermicide.
Female Condoms
What it is?
The female condom is made from soft polyurethane and is put inside the vagina. It has two flexible rings:
- an inner ring at the closed end which is used to insert the device and hold it in place
- an outer ring which remains outside the vagina and covers the external genitalia
The female condom is also a barrier method.
How it works
The female condom lines the vagina to prevent sperm from entering; it also protects against sexually transmitted infections.
The instructions should be read carefully before using female condoms for the first time.
Advantages
- Protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as pregnancy
- No side effects
- Only need to use it when you have sex
- Polyurethane is 40% stronger than latex
- Offers protection to the outer genitalia
- Oil based lubricants can be used as well as water based lubricants
- No hormonal side effects
Disadvantages
- Putting it in can interrupt sex
- During intercourse the condom can be noisy, move and feel slightly uncomfortable
How effective is it?
If it is used properly the female condom is 95% effective.
What makes it less effective?
- If it slips or gets pushed out of place
- If it is not put in properly
- If it rips or tears
- Spillage of semen when removing the condom
