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Frequently Asked QuestionsNUPAS > Abortion Care > Contraception > Condoms
What Are Condoms
A barrier method of contraception.
A condom is made of thin latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic). It fits over an erect penis. Most condoms are lubricated to make them easier to use. They are the only contraception to protect from sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).
How do condoms work?
Condoms are a barrier method of contraception. They stop semen from entering the vagina during sex. This stops sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg.
Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections. The condom should be put over the erect penis before any vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact.
Can anyone use condoms?
Condoms are suitable for most people. Some people are allergic to latex or spermicides used in condoms. It is possible to get condoms without spermicide. If you have a latex allergy, non-latex condoms are available.
The condom should be held at the tip to squeeze out any air. Unroll the condom over the erect penis. Leave space at the tip of the condom to make sure there is no trapped air.
After ejaculating, hold the condom in place at the base and gently remove the penis from the vagina. To take it off, hold the end of the condom and carefully remove it. Do this before the penis softens. Wrap the condom in a tissue and put it in a bin. Wash your hands before returning to your partner.
Advantages, Disadvantages and Effectiveness
All contraception has different advantages, disadvantages and effectiveness. It is important to look at this when finding the right contraception for you.
What are the advantages of condoms?
What are the disadvantages of condoms?
How effective is a condom?
Condoms are around 98% effective with perfect use. Around 2 in 100 people who use condoms will become pregnant in a year. With typical use, condoms are around 82% effective. This means that if 100 people used condoms for a year, around 18 of them will get pregnant.
Top tips for condom effectiveness:
- Condoms expire! Check the expiry date before use
- Condom size is important. A condom can break if it’s too small. If a condom is too loose, it can slip off. There are many condoms to suit all penis lengths and thickness
- Most condoms are lubricated but you can use more lubricant if needed. Use water-based lubricants with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline or massage oil can weaken the latex making the condom less effective
- Condoms are single-use. You should not reuse condoms
- Wearing two condoms at once does not increase protection. Using two condoms at once increases the chances of the condoms breaking
- Read the instructions carefully before using a condom for the first time. It can be helpful to practice putting on a condom before having sex
What makes it less effective?
- If the penis touches the area around the vagina before a condom is put on
- If it is ripped by sharp nails or jewellery
- Using oil-based lubricants can weaken the latex
- If it breaks during sex
- If it slips off the penis
If any of these things happen, you can get advice on emergency contraception to prevent an unintended pregnancy.
Find out more about emergency contraception here.
Internal (Vaginal) Condom
Like condoms that are worn on a penis, the internal condom is a barrier method of contraception.
The internal condom is made from soft polyurethane and is put inside the vagina.
It has two flexible rings. The inner ring at the closed end is used to insert the device and hold it in place. The outer ring stays outside the vagina and covers the external genitalia (vulva).
How does an internal condom work?
The internal condom lines the vagina to stop sperm from entering. It also protects against sexually transmitted infections. The instructions should be read carefully before using vaginal condoms for the first time.
Advantages, Disadvantages, and Effectiveness
All contraception has different advantages, disadvantages and effectiveness. It is important to look at this when finding the right contraception for you.
What are the advantages of internal condoms?
What are the disadvantages of internal condoms?
How effective is it?
Internal (vaginal) condoms are about 95% effective with perfect use. This means around 5 in 100 people will get pregnant in a year. With typical use, internal condoms are 79% effective. This means around 21 in 100 people a year will have an unplanned pregnancy.
What makes the internal condom less effective?
- If it slips or gets pushed out of place
- If it is not put in properly
- If it rips or tears
- If semen is spilled when removing the condom
If any of these things happen, you can get advice on emergency contraception to prevent an unintended pregnancy.
Find out more about emergency contraception here.
Contraception options available at NUPAS
At your abortion appointment, we will discuss contraception options with you.
Fertility can come back as soon 5 days after an abortion. This means you could get pregnant again if contraception is not used. There are lots of methods of contraception to choose from so don’t be put off if the first type isn’t quite right for you.
Find out more about contraception options available at NUPAS.