Condoms
What is a condom?
This is a condom. It's put over the erect penis before sex, and it helps prevent pregnancies and reduces the spread of infections.
What is a female condom?
This is a female condom. It works in a similar way to the male condom, but instead of going over the penis, it goes inside the vagina, to help prevent pregnancies and reduce the risk of infections.
How effective is a condom at preventing STIs?
A condom is not a hundred percent effective but it is the most effective method we have of preventing STI's, apart from not having sex.
Will wearing two condoms double the protection?
No. The condoms are more likely to break due to friction, rubbing between the two condoms during sex.
I'm sterile. Do I still need to use a condom?
Although you're not at risk of getting pregnant, you're still at risk of catching STIs and therefore should always be using a condom.
Where can I get condoms from?
Condoms are widely available in Chemists, the internet and from vending machines. You can also get them free from certain sexual health clinics and family planning clinics.
I'm in a long-term relationship. Should I still use a condom?
If you're both in a relationship where you are not seeing other people and have been recently checked for sexually transmitted infections, then it may be OK to consider stopping using condoms.
I'm allergic to regular condoms. What should I use instead?
There are other makes of condoms available not made from latex. These might include a polyurethane rubber. If you want further advice or are not sure, ask your pharmacist.
