The male condom

What is it?¹

The male condom is a latex (rubber or polyurethrene) sheath placed over the male’s erect penis before intercourse. 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. Condoms are available free from contraceptive clinics or over-the-counter at all 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 effective is it?¹

They have to be used with care as they can slip off or tear. 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?

• Condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV

Are there drawbacks?

• Some people can develop allergies to latex condoms however, non-latex polyurethane condoms are available
• The condom has to be placed on the penis after erection but before penetration, therefore interrupting sex
• Condoms can split

What do I do if I want to become pregnant?

If you want to start trying for a baby, you can stop using condoms at any time. It is advisable to start pre-pregnancy care such as taking folic acid and stopping smoking as soon as you decide to try for a baby. t to try for a baby it is advisable to start pre-pregnancy care such as taking folic acid and stopping smoking before it is removed.

1. NHS direct. Health encyclopedia – condom