Always use condoms with a CE mark or a BSI kitemark on the pack. Don't use the condom after the use-by-date. Remove any rings or rough edges of fingernails, which might split the rubber.

If the inner package round the condom is damaged in any way, do not use it. Open the package carefully so as not to damage the condom inside. Check that the condom will unroll - the teat end might be inside out!

It is important to remember, that water based lubricant is equally as important as condom use when engaging in Anal sex. Use a water based lubricant like KY Jelly or Senselle. DO NOT use Vaseline, baby oil or other oil-based lubricant or creams with a condom because they can perish rubber within minutes. Never use a condom more than once.

If the condom splits or you forget to use it, act quickly. Ask about emergency contraception at your local sexual health clinic or family doctor's surgery. You must go within 3 days but seek help as quick as possible. What you say to a doctor is confidential.

A guide to male and female condoms

Male and female condoms are barrier methods of contraception. They stop sperm meeting an egg. A male condom fits over a man's erect penis and is made of very thin latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic). A female condom is made of very thin polyurethane. It is put into the vagina and lines it. Femidom is the only female condom available in the UK.

You can get male condoms free from a family planning clinic, many sexual health clinics and some GPs. Female condoms are free from some family planning clinics. You can buy male and female condoms from a pharmacy or through mail order as well as from vending machines, supermarkets, garages and other shops.

Contraception is free through the National Health Service:

How to Use A Male Condom

• discuss using a condom with your partner
• use a new condom. Make sure it has a kite or CE mark and that the pack is not past its expiry date
• carefully take it out of the packet making sure not to damage it with fingernails
• make sure the condom is the right way round to roll down the penis
• gently squeeze the top of the closed end between your finger and thumb to get rid of any trapped air
• the condom should be put on as soon as the penis is hard (erect) and before there is any intercourse or close genital contact
• unroll the condom carefully over the erect penis
• intercourse takes place
• ejaculation happens (you “cum”)
• hold the rim of the condom so that no semen spills out
• the penis must be withdrawn before the erection/ “hard on” is completely lost
• carefully slip the peins out of the condom
• wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it away in the bin, don't put it down the toilet.
• the penis should not be put back into a partner without using a new condom

How to Use A Female Condom

• discuss using a condom with your partner
• use a new condom. Make sure it has a kite or CE mark and that the pack is not past its expiry date
• carefully take it out of the packet making sure not to damage it with fingernails
• rub the condom to spread the lubricant
• hold and squeeze the pliable ring
• insert into the vagina as far as it will go
• push up into vagina and ensure condom is not twisted
• guide the penis inside the condom
• intercourse takes place
• ejaculation happens
• squeeze and twist the outer ring, pull out, wrap in a tissue and throw it away in the bin, don't put it down the toilet

Hints

• for extra moisture and comfort use any water or oil based lubricant
• add extra lubticant if: outer ring is pushed inside the vagina, the penis sticks, you hear noise during sex

If you are worried about having had unprotected sex and sexually transmitted infections you can get a check up at your local Sexual Health Clinic.