Condom (Male)

Condoms are the only contraceptive method that protect against both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.

The male condom is a sheath or covering that is worn over the penis during sex. They are designed to stop a semen from coming into contact with a sexual partner. They can be used for penetrative sex with a vagina or anus and for oral sex. They can prevent pregnancy, provide protection against STIs and can also be used on sex toys.

Each condom can only be used once, so protection only lasts as long as the condom is intact and worn on the penis. If using with sex toys, a new condom should be used per person.

To prevent pregnancy the condom must stop any sperm from reaching the vagina. Small amounts of sperm are released from the penis before ejaculation, so for condoms to be effective they must be used during any contact between the penis and vagina. Putting on the condom late or removing the condom during sex will result in much higher risk of pregnancy.

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Condoms are a good method of contraception if you remember to keep them with you when you think you are going to have sex. You should also be confident about putting them on or asking your partner to put one on.

• The penis touches the area around the vagina before a condom is put on
• The condom splits or comes off (using wrong size)
• The condom gets damaged by sharp fingernails or jewellery
• You use oil-based lubricants (such as lotion, baby oil or petroleum jelly) with latex condoms – this damages the condom
• You are using medication for conditions like thrush, such as creams, pessaries or suppositories – this can damage latex condoms.

What if

The condom splits or comes off:

If this happens, you need to consider two things:

The non-hormonal coil (IUD) can be used as emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sex. Depending on the type of pill, you need to take an emergency contraceptive pill up to 72 hours (three days) or up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex.