What are condoms?
External condoms are thin coverings worn on the penis. They are usually made from latex, although latex-free condoms are also available.
Internal condoms are soft pouches that are inserted into the vagina before sex. They have an inner ring at the closed end to help with insertion and keep the condom in place, and an outer ring at the open end that stays outside the vagina.
Condoms form a barrier that helps prevent semen and other fluids exchanged during sex from passing between partners.
Both types are used once and should be thrown away after sex.
How can I get free condoms in Brighton and Hove?
Anyone can get free condoms from Brighton SHAC. You do not need an appointment, you can visit SHAC and ask for condoms at reception. We can provide external condoms, internal condoms and latex-free condoms.
If you are under 25, you can also use the Brighton and Hove C-Card scheme to collect free condoms from participating locations across the city. You can request different sizes, internal condoms and latex-free condoms through the scheme.
How effective are condoms?
How well condoms work depends on using them correctly every time you have sex.
External condoms
With perfect use, external condoms are up to 98% effective. This means around 2 in 100 people using condoms as contraception will become pregnant in a year.
With typical use, they are around 82% effective. This means around 18 in 100 people may become pregnant in a year. Typical use includes things such as putting the condom on after genital contact has already started, or a condom slipping off or splitting.
Internal condoms
With perfect use, internal condoms are up to 95% effective at preventing pregnancy.
With typical use, they are around 79% effective. This means around 21 in 100 people may become pregnant in a year. Typical use includes things such as inserting the internal condom after genital contact has already started, the condom moving out of place during sex, or the penis entering the vagina outside the condom.
If you want extra protection against pregnancy, you can use condoms alongside another method of contraception such as the pill, implant or coil.
Do condoms protect against STIs?
Condoms can reduce the risk of many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, although they do not provide complete protection against every STI.
For the best protection, use a condom from the start of sexual contact and use a new condom each time you have sex.
Other methods of contraception, such as the pill, patch, vaginal ring, implant, injection and coils, do not protect against STIs. You can use condoms alongside another method to help protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
How do I use an external condom?
Use a new condom every time you have sex.
Before using it:
- check that the expiry date has not passed
- check the packet has a CE or UKCA mark
- open the packet carefully so you do not damage the condom.
- Put the condom on before the penis touches the vagina or anus.
To put it on:
- make sure the penis is erect
- pinch the tip of the condom to remove any air and leave space for semen
- roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis
- after sex, hold the condom at the base while withdrawing the penis so that it does not slip off
- remove the condom carefully and put it in a bin. Do not flush condoms down the toilet.
If a condom does not roll down easily, it may be the wrong way round. Throw it away and use a new one rather than turning it over and trying again.
How do I use an internal condom?
An internal condom can be inserted into the vagina up to 8 hours before sex.
To use one:
- open the packet carefully
- squeeze the inner ring and gently insert it into the vagina
- put a finger inside the condom and push the inner ring as far inside as feels comfortable
- make sure the outer ring remains outside the vagina
- during sex, make sure the penis goes inside the condom and not between the condom and the vaginal wall
- after sex, twist the outer ring before gently removing the condom to help prevent semen leaking out
- put the used condom in a bin.
Can I use an internal condom for anal sex?
Yes. Internal condoms can also be used for anal sex.There is less evidence about how much protection internal condoms provide against STIs during anal sex than during vaginal sex.
Use plenty of lubricant and follow the instructions supplied with the condom.
Do not use an internal condom and an external condom at the same time. Friction between them can make one or both condoms split.
Do not use an internal condom and an external condom at the same time. The friction between them can make one or both condoms split.
Common problems with condoms
Why do condoms split or come off?
Condoms are less likely to split or come off when they fit properly and are used correctly.
A condom may be more likely to split if:
- there is not enough lubrication and there is a lot of friction
- an oil-based product is used with a latex condom
- the condom is damaged when the packet is opened
- it has passed its expiry date or has been stored somewhere very hot
- it does not fit well.
Using enough lubricant can reduce friction. Water-based and silicone-based lubricants can be used with latex condoms.Do not use oil-based products such as massage oil, baby oil, petroleum jelly or body lotion with latex condoms. These can weaken the latex and make the condom more likely to split.
If you are having anal sex, use plenty of lubricant because the anus does not produce its own natural lubrication.
If you are using a latex-free condom, check the instructions on the packet to see which lubricants can be used with it.
If condoms regularly split or come off, trying a different size or type may help.
What if condoms cause irritation?
Some people experience itching, soreness or irritation during or after sex when using condoms.This can have several causes, including friction, lubricant or sensitivity to latex.
If you think latex may be causing the problem, try a latex-free condom. These are available free from Brighton SHAC, and people under 25 can also request them through the Brighton and Hove C-Card scheme.
If irritation keeps happening, is severe, or you are not sure what is causing it, speak to a clinician or pharmacist.
What should I do if a condom splits or comes off?
If an external condom splits or comes off, or an internal condom splits or moves out of place during sex, there may be a risk of pregnancy or an STI.
If pregnancy is possible
You may need emergency contraception. Emergency contraception works best when it is accessed as soon as possible.
If there may have been a risk of an STI
You may need an STI test. Tests cannot always detect an infection immediately after sex, so you may need to wait a while or re-test later.
If you think there may have been a risk of HIV
Seek advice urgently about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
PEP is medication that can prevent HIV after possible exposure. It needs to be started within 72 hours, and the sooner it is started the better.