Condoms

Condoms prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.

If used correctly every time you have sex, condoms are extremely effective at preventing STIs. Condoms are also 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that 2 out of 100 people using condoms as contraception will become pregnant in a year.

In real world use, about 15 in every 100 people a year who use condoms as contraception become pregnant (85% effective). This is due to incorrect use, condoms bursting, or slipping off.

There are 2 types of condoms:

Condoms

How a condom works

Male condoms are made from very thin latex (rubber). They stop a man’s semen from coming into contact with his sexual partner.

Make sure that your penis does not touch your partner’s genital area before you put on a condom. Sperm can come out of the penis before full ejaculation (come).

If this happens and semen gets into the vagina or anus while using a condom, you may need emergency contraception, Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV or a check for STIs.

How to use a condom

  1. Check the condom wrapper for a safety kite mark and that it’s still before the expiry date on the packet.
  2. Take the condom out of the packet, taking care not to tear it with jewellery or fingernails – do not open the packet with your teeth.
  3. Place the condom over the tip of the erect penis.
  4. If there’s a teat on the end of the condom, use your thumb and forefinger to squeeze the air out of it.
  5. Gently roll the condom down to the base of the penis.
  6. If the condom won’t roll down, you’re probably holding it the wrong way round. If this happens, throw the condom away because it may have sperm on it, and try again with a new one.
  7. Use water-based or silicone-based lube if you are having anal sex or if you’re having vaginal sex and need more lubrication.
  8. After sex, withdraw the penis while it’s still erect. Hold the condom onto the base of the penis while you do this.
  9. Remove the condom from the penis, being careful not to spill any semen.
  10. Throw the condom away in a bin, not down the toilet.
  11. Make sure the penis doesn’t touch your partner’s genital area again.
  12. If you have sex again, use a new condom.

Using lubricant

Condoms are lubricated to make them easier to use. It’s recommended to use extra lubricant (lube), especially during anal sex. This reduces the chance of the condom bursting.

Any kind of lube can be used with condoms that are not made of latex.

If you’re using latex or polyisoprene condoms, don’t use oil-based lube, such as:

  • body oil or lotion
  • petroleum jelly or creams (such as Vaseline)

They can damage the condom and make it likely to burst.

Condoms with spermicide

Some condoms come with spermicide on them. Spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm. Avoid using this type of condom, or using spermicide as a lubricant, as it may increase your risk of getting an STI.

Who can use condoms?

Most people can safely use condoms, but they may not be right for everyone.

Some people are allergic to latex condoms. If you’re allergic to latex condoms, you can use polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms instead

Men who have difficulty keeping an erection may not be able to use condoms. This is because the penis must be erect to prevent sperm from leaking from the condom, or the condom slipping off.

Can anything make condoms less effective?

Semen can come into contact with your partner’s body if:

  • the penis touches the area around the vagina or anus before a condom is put on
  • the condom bursts or comes off
  • the condom gets damaged by sharp fingernails or jewellery
  • you use oil-based lubricants with latex or polyisoprene condoms – this damages the condom
  • you’re using creams, pessaries or suppositories for conditions like thrush – these can stop condoms working

Do not use 2 condoms at the same time as a form of ‘double protection’. The friction is likely to break the condom.

If a condom splits or comes off during sex

If the condom splits or comes off during sex you may need emergency contraception, Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV or a check for STIs.

You can get emergency contraception from your GP, local sexual health service and most pharmacies.

An intrauterine device (IUD) can be used as emergency contraception up to 5 days after sex and is available from sexual health services.

PEP for HIV is available from sexual health clinics and out-of-hours from A&E.

STI checks are available at your GP, local sexual health service and some pharmacies.

Risks of using a condom

There are no serious risks associated with using a condom.

Where can you get condoms?

Condoms are available from:

You can also buy condoms from:

  • pharmacies
  • supermarkets
  • websites
  • vending machines in some public toilets
  • some petrol stations

Always buy condoms that carry the European CE mark or the UKCA mark on the packet. This means they’re tested to the required safety standards.

If you’re under 16

Anyone can get condoms for free in Scotland, even if you’re under 16.

Contraception services are confidential so the person won’t tell anyone else about it. You can ask them any questions you may have.

If you’re under 16, they might encourage you to tell your parents, but you do not have to.

The only time a professional might need to tell someone else is if they think you’re at risk of harm, such as abuse. The risk would need to be serious. They’d usually talk about it with you first.

Last updated:
20 December 2022

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