condoms home page

Introduction: Condoms are barrier contraceptives made from latex rubber or thin plastic called polyurethane. Condoms are used to prevent pregnancy and to help stop sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Make sure the condom package displays the BSI Kitemark or the European CE symbol to ensure maximum reliability. They are used for penetrative sex (vagina or anus ) but can be used during oral sex as well to protect against sexual transmitted infections (STIs). There are two basic types of condom available in the UK: male and female. There are many different varieties of the male condom and also many different product names.  There is however only one brand of female condom available at the moment. If used correctly, male condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Female condoms are thought to be around 95% effective.

How do they work? Condoms are a barrier method of contraception. They prevent sperm from reaching an egg by creating a physical barrier between the two.  Male condoms are made of very thin latex rubber or polyurethane, lubricated for comfort. They contain a spermicide – a chemical that damages or kills the sperm. You can also buy spermicide separately from your pharmicist (chemist). The penis should not make contact with the vagina before the condom has been put on.  This is because semen can come out of the penis before a man has fully ejaculated (come). If this happens you will need to seek advice about emergency contraception. In order to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gay men should also make sure the condom is on before any sexual contact is made, and removed, with care, immediately after ejaculation.

Welcome to the condom home page. Here you will be able to find a wide range of condoms from a wide range of suppliers. Condoms are available in various shapes and sizes, but all high quality and very best prices. How are they used? Hold the bulb of the condom between your finger and thumb to make sure it's on the right way round and that no air is trapped inside. Still holding the bulb, place it over the head of the erect penis. Unroll it completely down the penis – if it won't fully unroll then it's probably on inside out.  If so, start again with a new condom. before the penis has gone soft again, or immediately after ejaculating (coming), hold the condom in place to prevent it leaking and pull the penis out slowly and carefully.

Are there any disadvantages: Some couples find that using condoms interrupts sex.  To get round this, sex therapists often recommend making condom use part of foreplay. Condoms are very strong but may split or tear if not used properly. If this happens you will need to seek advice about emergency contraception. The most common reasons for a condom tearing are sharp or broken fingernails, body jewellery and incorrect use. It is also important to open the wrapper carefully to avoid accidental tears. As well as using a condom, you can take the contraceptive pill for extra protection against pregnancy. The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) so you will still be at risk if the condom breaks.

Who can use them: Most people can safely use condoms. Condoms may not be the most suitable method of contraception if either partner has an allergy to latex rubber, plastic or spermicides. You can get condoms that have a lower risk of allergic reaction. Men who have difficulty keeping an erection may not be able to use male condoms, as the penis must be erect to prevent semen leaking from the condom or the condom slipping off. Lubricants can improve sex and prevent the condom tearing. Oil-based lubricants, creams, baby oil or petroleum jelly should not be used with latex condoms. Only use a water-based lubricant. Medication for conditions like thrush, such as creams, pessaries or suppositories may also damage latex and prevent the condom working properly. Any medicinal cream should also be checked with a pharmacist (chemist) or doctor first to make sure it is safe to use with latex condoms.