Male Condom, General Contraception Information

Thin cover made of rubber or polyurethane that fits snugly over the penis during sex.

It acts as a barrier between the penis and vagina so sperm cannot enter the vagina and reach the egg.

Quite effective. Only 2 women in 100 will get pregnant in a year if they are used consistently and correctly. If they are not used properly more women will become pregnant (18 in 100).
Anyone can buy them from a range of places – does not need a prescription.
Does not contain hormones so no side-effects, and periods are not affected.
Just use it when you have sex.
Protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Different shapes, sizes, textures and colours of condom are available.
Can help a man stay hard for longer and come less quickly.

It is less effective than most methods but better than using nothing.
Putting it on can interrupt sex.
Often fails because: slips off; splits/breaks; wrong size or shape; too much or too little lubricant used; oil based lubricants used which damage it; not used properly e.g. put on after penis and vagina have already come into contact, not withdrawnimmediately after ejaculation.
Man needs to withdraw as soon as he has ejaculated and before the penis goes soft so that semen does not spill into the vagina.
Some people are sensitive to the latex – if so use polyurethane makes of condom.
Some men find it difficult maintaining an erection whilst using them.