Male Condoms

What is it? Cover for the penis made of latex or polyurethane that stops sperm getting into the vagina.

How effective? 97% effective if used correctly . The failure rate is often higher (14%) because they are not used correctly

Good points Easy to use, available without seing a doctor

Bad points Can split or slip off, needs to be put on at the time which can interrupt things.

Does it protect against infections? Yes

Other things to consider

Get a condom that fits properly- condoms that are too small are more likely to break, while those that are too big have a greater chance of slipping off. Use the size that suits you. Condoms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, experiment and find the condom that right for you.

Don't store condoms near heat or in pockets – they can get bent and this can weaken them

Use a different condom- if you are having sex with more than one person or using sex toys.

Anal sex- the more lube the better if you are having anal sex. Condoms are less likely to break if you use lots on water-based lubricant when having anal sex.

Once you have finished having sex – hold the condom at the base when you are withdrawing so nothing can leak out.