Condoms

Condoms can protect against both sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, and if used properly are 95-98% effective in preventing pregnancy.  

When people start having sex they are often more concerned about pregnancy than sexually transmitted infections, but condoms can protect against pregnancy and STIs.

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Explains that his main reason for using condoms is not to leave the girl pregnant.
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Explains why she has always practiced safe sex. (Actor)
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Advises others to wear condoms to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

A woman who had caught Chlamydia and genital warts after unprotected sex with her boyfriend, said that she was now really careful to avoid  any genital contact without a condom. Condoms are available from a number of outlets, but it's not always easy to get them.
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Explains that her main motivation as a teenager was to avoid pregnancy rather than STIs - but this attitude changed after she had an infection. (Actor)
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Makes the point that condoms are too expensive. (Actor)

So why don't people use condoms every time they have sex?  Reasons include people thinking it's okay not to use them each time or because when they've been drinking the risk of disease or pregnancy seems less likely. 
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Indicates that initially she was very aware of the need to use condoms and that later on she began to change that attitude.
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Explains that under the influence of alcohol young people have a false sense of security.

Not having adequate advertising about HIV, the media in general, and pressure from partners can lead to some women having sex without a condom. 
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Indicates that sometimes girls are pushed into having unprotected sex. (Actor)

Many people use condoms at the beginning of a relationship, but stop using them when they know each other better and have both had an STI check-up. People in their twenties were more confident about discussing sexual history and more aware of the need to discuss using condoms.  
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Explains why it is important to discuss the possibility of another sexual partner and the need for safe sex. (Actor)

Some people remember being embarrassed to ask for condoms from their GPs, family planning or Brook clinics, when they were teenagers and others dislike free condoms which they think are 'too thick' or 'too boring'. 
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Says that he feels embarrassed to buy condoms from a chemist and that he prefers to get them from a youth advice centre.
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Thinks that condoms provided by the NHS are boring and those you buy at chemists are more fun to use.
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Explains that there are a variety of condoms available in the market and that in comparison free condoms are boring. (Actor)

Many buy their own condoms, but find them expensive, and that's another reason why people may stop using them.
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Makes the point that condoms are too expensive. (Actor)

Many people have experienced a condom splitting or falling off, and in such cases usually get emergency contraception (see 'Emergency contraception'). 

A father of two said that he doesn't mind using condoms at all, although he knows that other men have very different attitudes. Some people do not like condoms, calling them a 'hassle' or 'a pain', or that they spoil the moment. 
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Indicates that he and his partner use condoms as their main form of contraception, that men are responsible for preventing unwanted pregnancies and that attitudes about men in his age group are mixed regarding use of condoms.


But there are many different types of condoms (different textures, colours, and flavours) available so there's usually one to suit. And after all, a baby or an STI is more of a hassle than a condom!

 

Last reviewed April 2010.

Last updated April 2010.

Sexual health

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