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Condoms

What am I?

Male and female condoms work by blocking sperm from reaching the egg – thereby preventing fertilisation1

Effectiveness2

Perfect useTypical use
98%82%
95%79%
  • Condoms are widely available and relatively easy to use
  • Barrier methods only need to be used when you want to have sex
  • Both male and female condoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)1
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
  • Condoms can tear or slip off during sex1
  • Oil-based products such as moisturiser and body lotion can damage condoms made of latex and polyisoprene1
  • Some people are sensitive or allergic to latex, and so will need to use condoms made of polyurethane or polyisoprene1
  • Condoms have a use-by date1

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References

  1. NHS Inform. Condoms. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/condoms/ Last accessed May 2025

  2. NHS. How well contraception works at preventing pregnancy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/choosing-contraception/how-well-it-works-at-preventing-pregnancy/ Last accessed May 2025

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