External (or male) condoms

Condoms protect against unwanted pregnancy by stopping the sperm contained in semen coming into contact with the vagina (which could lead to an egg being fertilised).

An external condom covers the penis and acts as a barrier between it and the mouth, vagina, penis or anus. This prevents sexual fluids being transferred between partners, which provides protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You can get free condoms from Brook services, young people’s services, contraception clinics, GUM clinics and some GP surgeries. Use our Find a Service tool to find places near you.

When used correctly condoms are 98% effective at protecting against pregnancy.

1. Before opening, feel for the rib of the condom inside the packaging and push it to the side so that when you tear it open you don’t tear the condom as well
2. Unroll the condom a bit to check it is the right way round (it will only unroll if it’s the right way). Do this BEFORE it touches the penis
3. Pinch the tip of the condom between your thumb and forefinger to get rid of any air
4. Put it on the penis as soon as it is erect (hard) or on the sex toy before it goes near anyone’s mouth, vagina or anus
5. Use your other hand to roll the condom down the penis or sex toy all the way to the base
6. If you are having anal sex, you should use additional water-based lubricant which you can apply directly to the anus or on the outside of the condom
7. Check the condom is in place during sex
8. After ejaculation, hold the condom on at the base until the penis is withdrawn and then take it off, wrap it in tissue and throw it in the bin (not down the toilet)

If you’re doing all this but the condom won’t go all the way down your penis, you may need to use a different sized condom. You can have a chat about condoms at your local sexual health service. They won’t judge you – they’re there to help and you have a right to enjoy sex safely.

Read our in-depth guide to using condoms.

Accidents happen and if the condom has broken, split, slipped off or you’re worried it was used incorrectly, don’t panic. Use our Find a service tool to find your local sexual health service where you can have a quick, simple and painless test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and emergency contraception if there is a risk of unwanted pregnancy.

If you go to a service to get condoms, you will usually have a private consultation where they will ask you a few questions and they may show you how to use condoms by giving a demonstration on a plastic penis.

If its easier, go to a clinic with a friend or a partner. Bringing up the subject of condoms when you’re about to have sex can be tricky. Get some tips for talking about it in advance with our page on talking about condoms.