When used correctly every time you have sex, male condoms are 98% effective. This means 2 out of 100 people will become pregnant in 1 year when male condoms are used as contraception. There are 3 types of condoms: latex condoms, plastic (non latex) condoms, and lambskin (animal skin) condoms. If you buy condoms online, make sure that you buy them from a pharmacy or other legitimate retailer. Always choose condoms that carry the BSI kite mark and the European CE mark as a sign of quality assurance. This means they have been tested to the required safety standards.

Condoms come ready lubricated to make them easier to use, but you may also like to use extra lubricant, or lube. This is particularly advised for anal sex, to reduce the chance of the condom splitting. Condoms are very strong but may split or tear if not used properly. If this happens to you, practise putting them on so you get used to using them. One of the best things about condoms is that they’re sold pretty much everywhere, which makes them super convenient and easy to get. WHO also includes condoms use as part of its contraception and family planning portfolios, ensuring that all people have access to their preferred contraceptive methods and the ability to determine if, when and how often to reproduce. This includes producing evidence-based guidelines on the safety and effectiveness of contraceptive methods and their provision, developing quality standards for their manufacture, providing pre-qualification of approved contraceptive commodities and helping countries introduce these methods.you use oil-based lubricants, such as lotion, baby oil or petroleum jelly, with latex or polyisoprene condoms – this damages the condom Condoms are small, thin pouches that cover your penis during sex and collect semen (cum). Condoms prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from getting into the vagina, so sperm can’t meet up with an egg. Some types of condoms also help prevent STDs. There are lots of different STDs. Some are carried in body fluids like semen (cum), vaginal fluids, and blood — these include HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and trichomoniasis. Others can be passed from skin-to-skin touching with an infected body area, like your mouth or genitals — these include herpes, HPV and genital warts, syphilis, public lice (crabs), and scabies. When used correctly every time you have sex, condoms are a reliable method of protecting both partners from STIs. They’re also effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms come in different sizes, textures, shapes, and even flavors (for oral sex). You can try different types of condoms to find the one that you like best. Condoms are very stretchy and versatile, so most people will fit into a basic condom comfortably. If you find that standard condoms feel too tight, buy a larger size. If condoms tend to slip around a lot or fall off during sex, try a smaller size.

Some people may be allergic to latex, plastic or spermicides, but you can get condoms that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.You only need to use them when you have sex. They do not need advance preparation and are suitable for unplanned sex. If you’re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacists won’t tell your parents (or carer). They’ll provide you with contraception as long as they believe you fully understand the information you’re given and are able to use the contraception safely.