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