How does it work?
Both the male and the female condom create a physical barrier between the sperm and the egg. The male condom is a latex, polyurethane or animal tissue 'balloon' that goes over an erect penis. The female condom is a larger version of the male one that looks like a very small plastic bin liner. There is a ring around both the opening and the closed end. The closed end goes to the top of the vagina.
Is it effective?
As a method of contraception, the male condom is 98% effective and the female condom is 95-97%. As far as protecting against STDs, both the male and female condom are 97% effective with the exception of genital warts, herpes and crabs (although lambskin condoms offer no STD protection).
Make sure to only use condoms that carry either the European CE mark, the BSI Kitemark (BS EN 600) or the approval stamp of your national Family Planning organisation.
The British Family Planning Association (fpa) strongly advises you use male condoms with the British Kite mark wherever possible. The European CE mark simply means that the condom will not harm you, while the British Kite mark guarantees greater pregnancy and STD protection.
Novelty condoms, such as flavoured ones or ones with lights usually aren't guaranteed to offer greater pregnancy or STD protection.
How do I get it?
No prescription needed. You can get both the male and female condoms from chemists and several shops, although you can get them for free from sexual health clinics and your GP.
Why should I get it?
It is the only form of contraception that can protect against STDs
Male condoms help slow down premature ejaculation
Male condoms come in different textures to increase stimulation for both partners
Female condoms can be put in up to eight hours before sex, so you can take the time to put it in correctly
Many women who use the female condom enjoy the fact that they are the ones controlling their fertility
Why shouldn't I use it?
With male condoms, some women are allergic to latex or nonoxynol-9 spermicide, which is used to lubricate many condoms.
Both male and female condoms must be handled delicately when being taken out of the package (watch fingernails and avoid stretching the condom) to prevent small tears that could render them ineffective. If this happens, a new condom needs to be used.
Some men can lose their erection due to nerves while the condom is put on.
Both the male and female condoms must be removed immediately after sex or they could leak.
Using any oils with a condom such as massage oils, baby oil, Vaseline, vaginal creams, thrush creams (even if used a few days before) can make the male condom ineffective.
For further information visit www.fpa.org.uk
