Male condom
What is it?
The male condom is a latex (rubber or polyurethrene) sheath placed over the male's erect penis before intercourse. Condoms are available free from family planning clinics. You can also buy them at pharmacies and other places such as supermarkets, garages, bars and clubs. Condoms are available in a wide variety of colours, flavours, shapes, textures and sizes.
How does it work?
The condom is designed to be used only once and prevents sperm from entering the vagina when the male partner ejaculates by providing a barrier.
How effective is it?
Condoms have to be used with care as they can slip off or split. Used correctly, the latex condom is up to 98% effective in practice. However, application problems and breakage can occur.
Never use condoms with oil based products such as Vaseline, body oil or suntan oil, as these will damage the rubber.
What are the benefits?
- Only need to be used when you have sex
- Help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV
- Don't need a prescription
Who may not be able to / may not want to use it?
Women/men who:
- Have developed allergies to latex condoms. However, non-latex polyurethane condoms are available
- Don't want to interrupt sex (the condom has to be placed on the penis after erection but before penetration)
What if:
The condom splits / tears / slips off?
The chance of getting pregnant can increase if the condom splits / tears or slips off during sex and you should use emergency contraception immediately. Check which method may be suitable with your doctor / nurse / pharmacist.
I want to become pregnant?
If you want to start trying for a baby, you can stop using condoms at any time. Ideally you should wait for one period before trying to get pregnant. Waiting means the pregnancy can be dated more accurately and you can start pre-pregnancy care, such as taking folic acid and stopping smoking.
Remember: Contact your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns or are worried / unsure about anything to do with your contraception.
Information on this page has been sourced from the fpa.