Your Questions About Condoms

What condoms are and how they work

Condoms are one of the most widely used types of contraception. You can buy them without a prescription, and there is no minimum age for buying them. Many sexual health services also give them out free.

An external condom is a thin sheath that fits over an erect penis. Most are made of latex, a type of rubber. Polyurethane and polyisoprene versions are available for people with a latex allergy.

When used correctly, a condom keeps semen out of the vagina, which helps stop sperm from reaching an egg. It also reduces contact with genitals and body fluids. This lowers the chance of passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Internal condoms, sometimes called female condoms, are worn inside the vagina and can be put in before sex.

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How effective are condoms?

External condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly every time. With typical use they are about 82% effective, so around 18 in 100 people relying on them become pregnant over a year. Internal condoms are 95% effective with correct use and about 79% effective with typical use. These figures show the chance of pregnancy over a year. They do not measure protection against STIs.

Condoms are the only contraception that protects against both pregnancy and most STIs. They protect less well against herpes and genital warts, which spread through skin contact with areas a condom may not cover.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Using an external condom

Storing and using condoms correctly helps reduce the risk of one splitting or slipping off. The steps below apply to external condoms. For internal condoms, follow the instructions on the packet.

• Check that the packet has a CE or UKCA mark, and check the expiry date.
• Store condoms somewhere cool and dry. Do not keep one in a wallet or pocket for weeks.
• Open the packet with your fingers, not your teeth or anything sharp.
• Put the condom on the erect penis before there is any genital contact.
• Pinch the tip to squeeze out air, then roll the condom all the way down. If it is the wrong way round and will not unroll, use a new one. Do not turn it over.
• Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant. Oil-based products can damage latex and polyisoprene condoms. Extra lubricant is especially helpful for anal sex.
• After sex, hold the base of the condom and pull out while the penis is still erect. Put the used condom in the bin, not the toilet.
• Use a new condom each time you have sex, and when moving from anal to vaginal sex.
• Never use two condoms at once, including an external and an internal condom together, as friction can make them tear.

If a condom feels tight or keeps slipping, try a different size.

Where to get condoms and what to do if one fails

Condoms are sold in pharmacies, supermarkets and online. They are free from sexual health clinics, some GP surgeries and some pharmacies. Many areas run a C-Card scheme that gives young people free condoms confidentially. Age limits and how you sign up vary by area.

If a condom splits, slips off or was not used, get advice straight away, even if you think it is too late. The copper IUD (coil) is the most effective emergency contraception and can usually be fitted within five days. The levonorgestrel emergency pill must be taken within 72 hours, and the ulipristal acetate pill within 120 hours. A pharmacist, nurse or doctor can help you choose. Take a pregnancy test 21 days after the last unprotected sex, even if you used emergency contraception.

If you may have been exposed to HIV, ask urgently about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). It should be started within 72 hours, ideally within 24. Go to a sexual health clinic, or to A&E if the clinic is closed. A clinic can also advise when to test for other STIs.

If you are under 16, you can usually get confidential advice and treatment without your parents being told. Staff may need to share information if they believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm, and they would normally talk to you first. To find a service, use the NHS website (England), NHS inform (Scotland), NHS 111 Wales or nidirect (Northern Ireland).

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