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:
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.
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:
They can damage the condom and make it likely to burst.
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.
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.
Semen can come into contact with your partner’s body if:
Do not use 2 condoms at the same time as a form of ‘double protection’. The friction is likely to break the condom.
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.
There are no serious risks associated with using a condom.
Condoms are available from:
You can also buy condoms from:
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.
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