Brook's position on condoms

Brook always encourages the use of condoms, either as the main method of contraception or in addition to the chosen method of contraception, to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Information about services which provide free condoms needs to be widely publicised in places used by young people to increase the knowledge of young men in particular of their availability.

Teaching about contraception, including condoms, should be incorporated in sex and relationships education lessons to help young people make informed choices about their sexual health.

Background information

43% of clients at Brook Centres were given condoms as their main method of contraception during 2004/2005.

Brook statistics show that condom use tends to decline with age. 67% of Brook clients under the age of 16 choose condoms compared with 45% of 16-19 year olds and 28% of 20-24 year olds.

There has been a long-term trend towards increased condom use amongst Brook clients beginning with the introduction of the public HIV education campaign in 1986.

The second national survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles found a significant increase in condom use since the first survey, particularly amongst the younger age group with over 80% of 16-19 year olds reporting using condoms at first intercourse.[1] However, the survey found use is less consistent over time with around 25% of men and 18% of women aged 16-44 using condoms consistently.[2]

Research in to young men's attitudes towards contraception found that they see condoms as ‘their’ contraception and the way to control and ensure that a method of contraception is used, The majority also regards them as a trusted, tangible form of contraception. However, they are almost universally disliked and are often reluctantly used.[3]

The same research found that typically condoms are used until trust is established with a partner, based on subjective judgements about whether the partner can be relied on to take the pill properly or can be trusted not to have poor sexual health rather than on screening for infection. [4]

Recent research by the University of Southampton for Brook confirmed this view. While 92% of young men felt condoms should be used with a new partner, even if she takes the pill, only 59% felt it was necessary after three months in a relationship. 54% of young men said they did not like condoms because they make sex less enjoyable.[5]

The vast majority of young people know that condoms protect against HIV but far fewer are aware that they also protect against other sexually transmitted infections. A recent survey found, for instance, that only 43% of 16-20 year olds know that condoms can protect against chlamydia infection. [6]

Young men are still lacking in information about where to obtain free condoms compared to young women although their levels of knowledge are gradually improving. 38% of boys aged 14-15 do not know where to get free condoms compared to 28% of girls. [7]

Condoms are a very effective method of contraception. The male condom, used properly is 98% effective while the female condom used according to instructions is 95% effective.


[1]K Wellings et al, Sexual behaviour in Britain: early heterosexual experience, The Lancet, Vol 358, December 1 2001

[2]A Johnson et al, Sexual behaviour in Britain: partnerships, practices and HIV risk behaviours, The Lancet, Vol 358, December 1 2001

[3] L Edwards, unpublished research into the attitudes and behaviour of young men towards contraception, 2000

[4]L Edwards, ibid

[5]Brook, More than just a pill: young people's knowledge of, and views about, hormonal contraception, unpublished Brook research, 2001

[6]Durex Report 2002 Spotlight on sex and sexual attitudes in Britain, Durex, 2002

[7]J Balding, Young People in 2004, Schools Health Education Unit, 2005