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Condoms are made of very thin latex (rubber) and are designed to cover the penis in order to stop fluids being transferred between partners.
No hormones
No effect on mood
Protects against STIs
Only people involved in the sexual activity will see it
Periods will stay the same
Single use
Skin will stay the same
More than 98% effective if used without mistakes
Can get them for free from sexual health services and some GPs or buy them from pharmacies, shops, vending machines or online.
Use a new one each time you have sex
You can get latex-free condoms if you are allergic to latex and biodegradable condoms if single-use plastics are a concern.
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.
You may also be able to get free condoms from a local C-Card provider. The C-Card scheme allows you to pick up free condoms from local outlets like pharmacies, youth services and shops.
You can also buy condoms from pharmacies, supermarkets, vending machines in public toilets and online.
Under 16?There is no age restriction on buying or accessing free condoms. You can still access condoms the same ways as anyone else.
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 it’s 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.
You can start using condoms whenever and you only need to use them when you are having sex.
You can get pregnant from as little as three weeks after giving birth and from two weeks after an abortion of miscarriageYou can use condoms whenever you are ready to have sex.
When used correctly condoms are 98% effective at protecting against pregnancy.
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.
Accidents happen and if the condom has broken, split, slipped off or you’re worried it was used incorrectly, don’t panic.
You can 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. You may also be able to order a free STI kit to complete at home.
No – it is not recommended to use two condoms at the same time as it is more likely that one or both of them split or break. If you’re worried about pregnancy you can use condoms as well as other types of contraception that are not barrier methods.
Condoms are the only form of contraception that also protect against STIs. If you find them uncomfortable, it might be that you could find condoms that are better suited to you and your partner.
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