Methods of Contraception

Condoms

A condom is a thin sheath, usually made out of latex, which is rolled onto an erect penis before sexual contact. There are both male and female condoms and they should not be used with an oil-based lubricant, such as Vaseline, because this can cause the latex to break down. Water-based lubricants, such as KY Jelly, and spermicidal creams or pessaries are safe.
After sex, the condom should be checked for leaks and tears before being discarded (don’t flush condoms down the toilet). If there is a problem, emergency contraception (the "morning after" pill), may be needed.

Condoms can also protect both partners against certain sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea and genital warts.

The Male Condom
Most condoms are made of thin latex - a form of rubber. A polyurethane type is also available, which can be used by those who are allergic to latex. A condom's effectiveness largely depends on the person who uses it. If a man pulls it on roughly, lets his partner snag it with her teeth, or only puts it on halfway through intercourse, this will greatly reduce the protection it offers.

When used correctly, a male condom is about 98 per cent effective. This means that only about 2 in every 100 women would get pregnant in the course of a year. Pregnancy or infection may occur if:

• you don't put the condom on before intercourse starts
• the condom splits - unlikely if you handle it gently and avoid snagging it with rings, etc
• you use an oil-based lubricant, such as Vaseline, body pills, creams or lotions - this can make holes in latex condoms.

Buy only condoms that carry either the European CE mark, or the BSI Kitemark (BS EN 600), or the approval stamp of your national Family Planning organisation - this means that they have had thorough quality checks.

The British Family Planning Association (fpa) strongly recommends using condoms with the British Kite mark wherever possible. They say the European CE mark simply means that the condom will not harm you, whereas the British Kite mark guarantees greater protection against pregnancy and infection.

Female condom
A female condom (Femidom) is a thin, soft polyurethane pouch, which is fitted inside the vagina before sex. It has an inner ring that goes into the upper part of the vagina, and an outer one, which should be visible. The female condom is less likely to tear than the male condom.
If used according to the instructions, the female condom is 95% effective.