Find out about condoms
Tuesday 8 August 2006
If you're having sex or thinking about having sex, then you need to make sure you've got your contraception sorted.
Condoms
Condoms have been around in some form since early Egyptian times and are one of the most popular forms of contraception.
They're a good form of contraception because not only do they help to prevent pregnancy, they also help to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If used correctly, a condom is 99 per cent effective. Female condoms are pretty reliable too, with a 95 per cent effectiveness rating.
Where can I get them?
Condoms are available free from family planning clinics, sexual health clinics and some young people's services. You can buy them from most supermarkets, vending machines, chemists, or even online by mail order. There's also a texting service called txtdomz.
What's so good about condoms?
Unlike many other forms of contraception, you only need to use a condom when you're having sex. There are no pills to remember to take and no medical side-effects from using them.
They're easily available and help to protect both partners from many STIs.
How do I use them?
Full instructions are included on the condom packet or a leaflet inside the pack. You can also ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for help.
You should use a new condom each time you have sex. Each condom has a 'use by' date on its wrapper; you should make sure that the condom you're using is not out of date, because that may mean it's not as effective.
Take care when taking the condom out of the packet: sharp fingernails or jewellery can tear the condom, meaning that you won't be able to use it.
What if it breaks?
If the condom you've been using during sex splits or is broken, you need to make sure that the girl takes the emergency contraception pill, which is also known as the morning after pill.
You need to act fast; the emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it is taken after sex, up to 72 hours or 3 days later. You should continue to use condoms if you’re having sex until the girl’s next period, even if she is already taking the normal pill.
You can get emergency contraception free from family planning clinics, GPs, Brook centres, NHS walk-in centres, GUM clinics and some A&E (casualty) departments at hospitals or from chemists. You may have to pay.
Other forms of contraception
Of course, there are other forms of contraception available to use. Girls can take a pill, receive an injection or wear special patches. None of these methods help to prevent STIs and you can only start using them if you see a doctor first.
Get more info
For more information and advice on condoms and other methods of contraception visit NHS Choices.
Take a look at n2k's guide to getting contraception sorted.
