Why use a condom?

Of all the ways you can lower the risks you take in your sex life using condoms is the most effective. Condoms have one of the highest success rates at stopping unwanted pregnancies and preventing many sexually transmitted infections, including HIV (the virus that can lead to AIDS).

No other type of contraception is as good at both of these things. In addition to this condoms have no serious side effects, don't need medical staff to administer and are relatively cheap and easy to access.

There are different types of condoms, and different things to consider to get the most from yours. The information in this area has been written so that you can both enjoy your sex life and make it as safe as possible.

• Using a condom
• Using a femidom
• Types of condom
• Problems with condoms

How safe are condoms?

Condoms are made to strict standards, with a very low failure rate when used correctly. Instructions on how to use them come inside the pack. If they break or come off it’s usually because of a mistake made when they were used. If you follow our guidelines the chances of them failing are very low.

Other forms of birth control offer little protection against sexually transmitted infections – but condoms do. Some people use condoms together with other birth control methods for added contraceptive protection and to protect against infections.

Condoms sold in the UK should carry one or both of these symbols, meaning the condom is of a good enough quality to use.

The wrapper carries a ‘best before’ date; a condom shouldn’t be used after this. But if there’s no alternative any condom is better than none – but keep checking during sex that’s it’s OK.