Advantages and disadvantages of condoms

Some advantages of using condoms:

• When used correctly and consistently, they are a reliable method of preventing pregnancy.
• They help to protect both partners from STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV.
• You only need to use them when you have sex – they do not need advance preparation and are suitable for unplanned sex.
• In most cases, there are no medical side effects from using condoms.
• They are easy to get hold of and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavours.

Some disadvantages include:

• Some couples find that using condoms interrupts sex – to get around this, try to make using a condom part of foreplay.
• Condoms are very strong but may split or tear if not used properly. If this happens to you, practise putting them on so you get used to using them.
• Some people may be allergic to latex, plastic or spermicides, but you can get condoms that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
• When using a condom, the man has to pull out after he has ejaculated and before his penis goes soft, holding the condom firmly in place.

Condoms come lubricated to make them easier to use, but you may also like to use additional lubricant (lube).  You can use any type of lubricant with polyurethane condoms that aren’t made of latex. However, if you’re using latex or polyisoprene condoms, don’t use oil-based lubricants – such as lotion, body oil or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) – because they can damage the condom and make it more likely to split. Water-based lubricants are safe to use with all condoms. If you are using medication for conditions like thrush, such as creams, pessaries or suppositories – this can damage latex and polyisoprene condoms, and stop them working properlySome condoms come with spermicide on them. You should avoid using this type, or using spermicide as a lubricant, as it doesn’t protect against STIs and may increase your risk of infection.