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How does it work? of Condoms (male and female)

Condoms are a barrier method of contraception. They prevent sperm from reaching an egg by creating a physical barrier between the two.  Male condoms are made of very thin latex rubber or polyurethane, lubricated for comfort. They contain a spermicide – a chemical that damages or kills the sperm. You can also buy spermicide separately from your pharmicist (chemist).

The penis should not make contact with the vagina before the condom has been put on.  This is because semen can come out of the penis before a man has fully ejaculated (come). If this happens you will need to seek advice about emergency contraception.

In order to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gay men should also make sure the condom is on before any sexual contact is made, and removed, with care, immediately after ejaculation.

To use a male condom:

  • hold the bulb of the condom between your finger and thumb to make sure it’s on the right way round and that no air is trapped inside;
  • still holding the bulb, place it over the head of the erect penis;
  • unroll it completely down the penis – if it won't fully unroll then it's probably on inside out.  If so, start again with a new condom;
  • before the penis has gone soft again, or immediately after ejaculating (coming), hold the condom in place to prevent it leaking and pull the penis out slowly and carefully.

A female condom is placed in the vagina, covering the vaginal walls and the entrance to the cervix. The open end of the condom must stay outside the vagina.

For the female condom to be effective, the penis must stay inside the condom during sex. Care must be taken to make sure that the penis does not go between the condom and the vaginal wall. If this happens you will need to seek advice about emergency contraception.

If you have sex more than once always use a new condom, never re-use condoms. Never use two condoms together and always check the expiry date.

To dispose of condoms wrap them up in tissue and put them in the bin. Never flush them down the toilet because they may cause environmental damage.