Contraception - Abstinence

Monday 22nd March 2010

If you are looking for a contraceptive that is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases then abstinence is the perfect contraceptive for you.

While the idea of abstinence is not taught in many schools, in my opinion it should be. A good sex education class should cover all bases including how to say no and how to say no to sex.

There has been considerable debate over whether abstinence is a true form of birth control and if it is worth teaching to young people. Research shows that teens whose sex education is at least half abstinence-based are less likely to experience an unplanned pregnancy than those who receive contraceptive education alone; and women who report no sex education at all have the greatest number of unplanned pregnancies. It seems that abstinence education is important, and many young people do select abstinence as their method of choice.

Some people argue that sexual abstinence is not a true form of birth control. But, birth control is any act, drug, or device that is intended to prevent pregnancy. This means that choosing to abstain is really a contraceptive. Did you know that among teens abstinence is the most popular method of birth control? Among people aged 15-19, fewer than half have ever had sex. Over one in ten women of reproductive age have never had sex at all.

What are your feelings on abstinence? Should we be teaching our children about it in schools and at home as well as telling them about contraceptive devices?

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Contraception - Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Monday 8th March 2010

An IUD is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device made from plastic and copper that fits inside the womb (uterus). It used to be called a coil or a loop.

It is a long-lasting and reversible method of contraception but it is not a barrier method. This means that an IUD cannot stop you getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

There are different types and sizes of IUD to suit different women. IUDs need to be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse at your GP surgery, local family planning clinic or sexual health clinic.

They can stay in the womb for five to 10 years depending on the type. If you are 40 or over when you have an IUD fitted, it can be left in until you reach the menopause or until you no longer need contraception.

Most women can have an IUD fitted, including women who have never been pregnant or who are HIV positive. An IUD is usually fitted during your menstrual period. From the moment the IUD is fitted until the time it is taken out, you are protected against pregnancy.

How it works

An IUD stops sperm from reaching the egg. It does this by releasing copper into the body, which changes the make-up of the fluids in the womb and fallopian tubes. These changes prevent sperm from fertilising eggs. IUDs may also stop fertilised eggs from travelling along the fallopian tubes and implanting in the womb.

How effective is an IUD?

An IUD is 98–99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Newer models that contain more copper are the most effective (over 99% effective). This means that less than one in every 100 women who use the IUD will get pregnant in a year.

As a long-lasting method of contraception, the IUD is very effective. You do not need to remember to take or use contraception to prevent pregnancy. However, it does not protect you against STIs.

Emergency contraception

The IUD can also be used as a method of emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sex or up to five days after the earliest time you could have released an egg (ovulation). If you have unprotected sex, make an appointment with your GP or clinic as soon as possible.

Most women can use an IUD, including women who have never been pregnant and those who are HIV positive. Your GP or nurse will ask about your medical history to check if an IUD is the most suitable form of contraception for you.

You should not use an IUD if you have:

• any untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pelvic infection,
• problems with your womb or cervix, or
• any unexplained bleeding from your vagina, for example between periods or after sex.

Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy or recent abortion, or who have an artificial heart valve, must consult their GP before having an IUD fitted.

You should not be fitted with an IUD if there is a chance you are already pregnant or if you or your partner are at risk of catching STIs.

The IUD is most appropriate for women with one long-term partner, who they are confident does not have any STIs. If you or your partner are unsure, go to your GP or sexual health clinic to be tested for STIs.

Using an IUD after giving birth

An IUD is usually fitted four to six weeks after the birth (vaginal or caesarean). You will need to use alternative contraception from three weeks (21 days) after the birth until the IUD is fitted. In some cases, an IUD can be fitted within 48 hours of giving birth.

An IUD is safe to use when you are breastfeeding and will not affect your milk supply.

Using an IUD after a miscarriage or abortion

An IUD can be fitted after an abortion or miscarriage by an experienced doctor or nurse, as long as you were pregnant for less than 24 weeks. If you were pregnant for more than 24 weeks, you may have to wait a few weeks before having an IUD fitted.

Advantages of an IUD

• Most women can use an IUD, including women who have never been pregnant.
• Once an IUD is fitted, it is immediately effective at preventing pregnancy and will be for up to 10 years or until it is removed.
• It does not interrupt sex.
• It can be used if you are breastfeeding.
• Your normal fertility returns as soon as the IUD is taken out.
• It is not affected by other medicines.

There is no evidence that IUDs affect body weight or that having an IUD fitted will increase the risk of cancer of the cervix, endometrium (lining of the womb) or ovaries. Some women experience changes in mood and libido, but these are very small.

Disadvantages of an IUD

• Your periods may become heavier, longer or more painful, though this may improve after a few months.
• You have to have an internal examination to check whether an IUD is suitable for you and another one when it is fitted.
• An IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may have to use condoms as well. If you get an STI while you have an IUD fitted, it could lead to a pelvic infection if it is not treated.

Sourced from NHS Direct.

Had an IUD fitted? Let us know about your experiences with this form of contraception in the comments section below and help more women to make decisions about the contraceptions they choose.

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Contraception - Vasectomy

Monday 1st March 2010

The Vasectomy is a simple and straightforward operation that stops sperm entering semen. It is a permanent form of contraception, but as a rule it shouldn't interfere with your sex life because you will still have erections and produce semen.

However, it's clear that a very small number of men do run into trouble after the operation. These include males who have psychological problems such as fear of castration.

Also, there is an uncommon condition called ‘sperm granuloma’, which is a painful little lump occurring in the scrotum as a result of leakage of sperm. If it causes pain, it can be removed surgically or treated with anti-inflammatory pills.

A few men get chronic (long-term) testicular pain after the operation. This is so uncommon that I personally have never seen a case in the UK.

However, in some countries – notably the USA – there has recently been a good deal of publicity about this ‘Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome’ (PVPS).

Nevertheless, vasectomy is a popular and routine operation these days, with about 18 per cent of British men having had ‘the snip’.

Provided you have thought it over carefully, any man can choose to be sterilised by having a vasectomy - though doctors are generally unwilling to do the operation on very young males, especially those without children.

Vasectomy is a much simpler procedure than the sterilisation of women and is almost always done on an outpatient basis – in other words, without having to stay in hospital. You can usually go home a couple of hours after the operation.

The actual surgical procedure sounds a bit alarming for most men, but there's usually very little pain and the operation is short.

These days, it's nearly always done under a local anaesthetic.

A few surgeons – mainly in private practice – like to do it while the patient is under a general anaesthetic. (Inevitably, this pushes the cost up quite a lot, because you have to pay for the anaesthetist and all his equipment and drugs.)

Did you know?

The tube that carries sperm to semen is called the vas.

Vasectomy means 'cutting out a piece of vas'.

• You’ll be lying flat on your back. The surgeon will inject a little local anaesthetic into the skin of your scrotum, and after that you’ll feel no pain.
• The surgeon makes a small cut in your scrotum. Working through this incision, he finds the slim, spaghetti-like tube that carries sperms upwards from your testicle. This tube is called the vas.
• The surgeon cuts through the vas and then seals off the ends.
• The surgeon does the same thing to the tube on the other side – and that’s it.
• With modern techniques, the surgeon may not even need to use stitches. If there are any, they’ll probably be dissolvable.

There are minor variations in the way that different surgeons perform the operation.

• The surgeon may do the whole procedure through one incision instead of two.
• The surgeon may use the much advertised no-scalpel technique. Instead of an incision, the surgeon makes a small ‘puncture’ in the scrotum, and then inserts a slim instrument through it. Some private clinics now have a lot of experience with this technique.

Whatever the method, it’s generally all over within fifteen minutes.

Most men are just a bit sore and bruised afterwards, but a few develop bleeding, marked swelling or an infection (symptoms: pain and a temperature). If any of these things happen, contact a doctor.

Heavy bleeding is uncommon, but if it happens it could put you off work for several weeks.

You should wear an athletic support (a jock strap) for a week or so after the vasectomy to ease the discomfort. Getting into a warm bath is also very soothing.

Do not attempt any strenuous physical activity for at least a month after the op. Lifting a heavy weight could make a stitch slip and so cause bleeding, but this is uncommon.

After the operation, you will still have some sperm left in the tubes that lead to the penis. This means that you must use another contraceptive method for the time being.

About two to three months after your surgery, you'll need to have a semen test to see if all the sperm have gone. Many surgeons like to make really sure by doing two tests.

Once you have been reassured that no sperm can be seen in your ejaculate - under a microscope - then you can rely on your vasectomy without using any back-up contraception.

But there is still a tiny failure rate. Occasionally, men who have had vasectomies find they have sired a child. This is because the tubing has joined up again.

If you would like to know more about Vasectomy then please feel free to ask your questions in the comment box provided.

Source : Dr David Delvin for netdoctor

Image: djcodrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Contraception - Diaphragms And Caps

Monday 22nd February 2010

Continuing with our short series about contraception today we are going to talk about Diaphragms and cervical caps.

Diaphragms and caps are barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside your vagina and prevent sperm from passing into the entrance of your womb (the cervix).

Diaphragms are soft domes made of latex or silicone. Caps are smaller and are also made of latex or silicone.

To be effective, diaphragms and caps need to be used in combination with spermicide, a chemical that kills sperm.

How effective are diaphragms and caps?

If used correctly and in combination with spermicide, diaphragms and caps are estimated to be 92-96% effective in preventing pregnancy.

There are other more effective contraceptives available, such as the oral contraceptive pill. Some women prefer to use diaphragms or caps because they do not like taking the pill. Others cannot take the pill for health reasons.

Diaphragms and caps only provide limited protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV.

Most women are able to use diaphragms and caps. However, there are some situations and circumstances where they may not be suitable for you. These are listed below.

• If you have an unusually shaped or positioned cervix.
  
• If you have weakened vaginal muscles (possibly as a result of giving birth) that cannot hold a diaphragm or cap in place. However, most women find that if they cannot hold a diaphragm in place, they are able to hold a cap.
  
• If you have a sensitivity or an allergy to latex, or the chemicals contained in spermicide.
  
• If you have ever had the rare condition known as toxic shock syndrome (a life-threatening bacterial infection).
  
• If you have had repeated bouts of urinary tract
  infections (an infection of the urinary system such as the urethra, bladder or kidneys).
  
• If you currently have a vaginal infection. You should wait until your infection clears before using a diaphragm or cap.
  
• If you are sexually active with multiple partners, which increases the risk of you catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

How To Use A Diaphragm or Cap

A diaphragm looks like a small shower cap with a brim. It is flexible so it fits into your vagina easily.

Before you use a diaphragm, you should first cover the sides of it with a small amount of spermicide. This will stop any sperm 'leaking' round the edges of the diaphragm.

Wash your hands and then place the diaphragm high up into your vagina so your cervix is completely covered.

A cap looks like the tip of a male condom, with a thick rim that allows it to stay in place. You should fill one-third of the cap with spermicide, but do not put any on the rim as this could make it difficult for the cap to stay in place. You should then wash your hands.

The cap should fit neatly over your cervix and stays in place through suction. As with the diaphragm, always check that your cervix is completely covered.

Some types of cap require you to put some extra spermicide on them once they are inside your vagina. If you are unsure about whether this applies to your type of cap, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

If the diaphragm or cap is fitted correctly, you or your partner should not be able to feel it during sexual intercourse.

When should I insert a diaphragm or cap?

You can insert the diaphragm or cap up to three hours before you have sex. After this time you will need to take it out and put some more spermicide on it.

You will need to leave your diaphragm or cap in for at least six hours after having sex.

You should not leave a diaphragm or cap in for more than 30 hours as this could cause an infection.

You should avoid having a bath in the six hours after sex as the water could dislodge the diaphragm or cap and wash away the spermicide. Showers are recommended instead.

How do I remove a diaphragm or cap?

The diaphragm or cap can be easily removed by hooking your finger under its rim and pulling it out. Wash it with warm water and mild unperformed soap. Rinse it thoroughly and then leave it to dry.

You will be given a small container that looks much like a make-up compact that you can use to store your diaphragm or cap between uses.

Never boil a diaphragm or cap. You should also not use disinfectant, detergent, or talcum powder to keep it clean, as this could damage it. Check your diaphragm or cap for any signs of damage before you use it.

Most women can use the same diaphragm or cap for a year before they need to replace it. You may need to get a different size diaphragm or cap if you gain or lose more than 3kg (7lb) in weight, or if you have a baby, miscarriage or abortion.

Do not use a diaphragm or cap if you are having your period, as using one during this time has been linked with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) - a potentially fatal bacterial infection.

Diaphragms and caps are an effective contraception. However there are better forms of contraception that are out there for you to use and that is one reason why they are far less popular then the contraceptive pill or condoms.

If you have any questions relating to this or any other or my contraception posts, please feel free to ask in the comments box below. You can remain anonymous and all questions will be answered as soon as possible.

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Contraception - Female Sterilisation

Monday 15th February 2010

Female sterilisation is an effective and permanent form of contraception.

The operation usually involves cutting, sealing or blocking the fallopian tubes, which eggs travel through from the ovaries to the womb. This prevents the eggs from reaching the sperm and becoming fertilised.

How popular is it?

Every year, thousands of UK couples choose sterilisation as their method of contraception. It has become increasingly popular since the late 1960s. In 2001, one in 10 women aged under 50 was sterilised in the UK.

Who is it for?

Almost any woman can be sterilised. However, sterilisation should only be considered by women who do not want any more children, or do not want children at all. Once you are sterilised, it is very difficult to reverse the process (see Risks, above), so it is important to consider the other options available (see box, right).

Surgeons are more willing to perform sterilisation for women who are over 30 and who have had children, although some younger women who have never had a baby choose it.

How effective is it?

Female sterilisation is more than 99% effective, and only one in 200 women will become pregnant after the operation. It can be reversed, but the success rate is much smaller, with only 50-80% of fertility returning, depending on age and what sterilisation methods were used.

How sterilisation is carried out

Sterilisation is usually done using a technique called tubal occlusion (blocking the fallopian tubes), where a cut is made in your abdominal wall to access your fallopian tubes.

In 2004, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidelines (see Useful links) on a relatively new technique that does not involve cutting into the body. This is called hysteroscopic sterilisation, and involves inserting implants into the fallopian tubes. However, the technique is not yet widely available.

Both procedures are described below.

Tubal occlusion

First, doctors need to examine your reproductive organs, using either laparoscopy or mini-laparoscopy.

Laparoscopy

This is the most common method of accessing the fallopian tubes. The doctor makes a small cut in your abdominal wall, and inserts a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a tiny camera lens attached), which lets them clearly see your fallopian tubes. Additional cuts can be made if other instruments, such as surgical scissors, need to be inserted.

Mini-laparoscopy

This involves a smaller incision than a laparoscopy (usually less than two inches), just above the pubic hairline. The fallopian tubes are pulled out of the incision, operated on, and then put back into place. This procedure may be appropriate for women who have just had a baby, or have had recent abdominal or pelvic surgery.

Blocking the tubes

The fallopian tubes can be blocked using one of the following methods:

• Applying clips: plastic or titanium clamps are closed over the fallopian tubes.
• Applying rings: a small loop of the fallopian tube is pulled through a silicone ring, then clamped shut.
• Tying and cutting the tube: this destroys 3-4cm of the tube.
• Sealing the tubes (electrocoagulation): a harmless electrical current is used to burn a small portion of each fallopian tube and seal it closed.

Fallopian implants

These are usually inserted under local anaesthetic. A tiny piece of titanium metal called a microinsert is guided through your vagina and cervix and into each of your fallopian tubes, using a small flexible tube (a hysteroscope) and a guidewire. This means that the surgeon does not need to cut into your body.

The implant causes the fallopian tube to form scar tissue around it, which eventually blocks the tube.

Removing the tubes (salpingectomy)

If blocking the fallopian tubes has been unsuccessful, the tubes may be completely removed. Removal of the tubes is called salpingectomy.

Recovering from sterilisation

Your doctor will tell you what to expect and how to care for yourself after surgery.

If you have had a general anaesthetic, you should not drive a car for 12 hours after the operation. If you leave hospital within hours of the operation, do not try to drive home. Ask a relative or friend to pick you up, or take a taxi.

How you will feel

It is normal to feel unwell and a little uncomfortable for a few days if you had a general anaesthetic. You may have to rest for about a week.

Also, you may notice some slight bleeding and pain. There is no need for concern, but see your GP if it gets worse.

Having sex

Your sex drive and enjoyment of sex will not be affected. You can have sex as soon as it is comfortable to do so after the operation, but if you had tubal occlusion, you will need to use contraception until your first period to protect yourself from pregnancy.

If you had an implant fitted, you will need to use another form of contraception for the first three months after surgery. After three months, X-rays will be used to check that the implants are in the correct position.

Remember, sterilisation will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, so continue to use barrier contraception, such as condoms, if you are unsure of your partner's sexual health.

This information was sourced from the NHS website.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Contraception - Patches

Monday 8th February 2010

The contraceptive patch (transdermal) is a form of hormonal contraception that is worn by a woman to stop her getting pregnant when she has sex.

However, unlike like barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, the contraceptive patch does not protect you from getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The contraceptive patch is very reliable and easy to use. You stick it on a clean, dry, hair-free area of your body, such as your buttocks, stomach, chest (apart from your breasts) or the outside of your upper arm. Make sure the area of skin you choose is clean, dry and not hairy, and that it is not going to be rubbed by tight clothing. You should not put the patch on areas of the skin that are broken or irritated. The patch needs to be changed for a new one each week.

The patch protects you from pregnancy by introducing hormones into your body which prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg.

Every day, the patch gives you a dose of the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, that move through your skin and into your bloodstream. These hormones are similar to the hormones that are made naturally by your body, and they control your periods and help to prepare your body for pregnancy.

The hormones in the contraceptive patch stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation) which could then be fertilised by sperm. The combined oral contraceptive pill works in this way too.

The contraceptive patch also has some other effects. It makes the mucus in your cervix (entrance to the womb) get thicker. This makes it difficult for sperm to move through the mucus and into your womb, where it could reach an egg. It also makes the lining of your womb thinner, so that it is harder for an egg to attach to the womb where it could be fertilised.

If you start using the patch on the first day of your period, it starts working straight away. This means you can have sex without getting pregnant. If you start using it on any other day, you need to use an additional form of contraception for the first seven days.

The contraceptive patch is not suitable for everyone. If you are thinking of using the patch, the healthcare professional that you see will first ask you about your health and your family medical history. It is very important to tell them about any illnesses, or operations, that you have had, or medications that you are currently taking.

You will not be able to use the patch if:

• you are, or think you might be, pregnant,
• you are breastfeeding, or
• you smoke and you are over 35 years of age.

There are also some medical conditions that mean that you cannot use the contraceptive patch. You will not be able to use the patch, if you have or have ever had any of the following conditions:

• thrombosis (blood clots) in a vein or artery,
• a heart problem, or disease affecting your blood circulatory system (including high blood pressure),
• serious migraines, or migraines with aura (visual problems),
• breast cancer,
• active disease of the liver or gall bladder,
• diabetes, and
• bleeding from your vagina that does not have an obvious cause (such as between periods, or after sex).

If you weigh more than 90 kilograms (14 stone) the contraceptive patch may not work as effectively, so you may want to think about using other forms of contraception.

In some women, the contraceptive patch can cause skin irritation, such as itching and soreness. It also does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so you may need to use condoms as well.

Some women get mild side effects when they first start using the contraceptive patch. These include:

• headaches,
• nausea (sickness),
• breast tenderness,
• mood changes, and
• slight weight gain, or loss.

However, these side effects usually settle down after a few months.

Breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods) and spotting (very light, irregular bleeding), is common in the first few cycles of patch use. This is nothing to worry about if you are using the patch properly, and you will still be protected against pregnancy.

Some medicines can make the patch less effective. If you are prescribed new medicine by a healthcare professional, you should tell them that you are using the patch. If you are buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, you should ask the pharmacist for advice because some complementary medicines, such as St John's Wort, can affect how the patch works. You might need to use an extra form of contraception while you are taking the medicine, and for two days afterwards.

If you have any questions regarding the contraceptive patch, please feel free to ask them in the comments box below. You can keep your comments anonymous too!

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Contraceptive Implants And Injections

Monday 1st February 2010

Contraceptive implants and injections are long-acting, effective methods of contraception. They are over 99% reliable in preventing pregnancy, which means that less than one in 100 women who use the implant or injection will become pregnant each year.

The implant and the injections work in the same way: by slowly releasing a hormone called progestogen into your body. They do not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

They can be started at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you and your doctor are reasonably sure that you are not pregnant.

Implants

There is currently one type of contraceptive implant used in the UK called Implanon.

Implanon is a small (4cm), thin flexible tube. It is implanted under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse, using a local anaesthetic to numb the area. The small wound made in your arm is closed with a dressing and does not need stitches.

Implanon works for up to three years before it needs to be replaced. You can continue to use it until you reach the menopause.

The implant can be removed at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It takes a few minutes to remove, using a local anaesthetic.

As soon as the implant is removed, you will no longer be protected against pregnancy. If you want to use a different method of contraception after the implant, you will need to start this seven days before the implant is removed. This is because sperm can survive in the womb for up to seven days after sex.

Injections

The contraceptive injection is usually given into a muscle in your bottom, but sometimes into a muscle in your upper arm. There are two types available:

• Depo-Provera is the most commonly used injection in the UK and is effective for up to 12 weeks, after which another injection is given.
• Noristerat is effective for up to eight weeks.

Where to get them

You can get an injection or implant at your GP surgery or a genito-urinary (GUM), contraception or sexual health clinic. It will be given to you by a specially trained doctor or nurse.

Who can use them

Most women can be fitted with the contraceptive implant or given the contraceptive injection. They may not be suitable for you if you:

• think you might already be pregnant,
• want your periods to remain regular,
• have bleeding in between periods or after sex,
• have arterial disease or a history of heart disease or stroke,
• have a blood clot in a blood vessel,
• have liver disease,
• have migraines, or
• have (or have had) breast cancer.

How Do Contraceptive Implants And Injections Work?

Contraceptive implants and injections steadily release the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream.

Progestogen is very similar to the natural hormone progesterone, which is released by a woman's ovaries during part of the menstrual cycle.

The continuous release of progestogen:

• stops you from releasing an egg every month (ovulation),
• thickens the mucus from the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to pass through to the womb and reach an unfertilised egg, and
• makes the lining of the womb thinner, so it is unable to support a fertilised egg.

This information was taken from the NHS direct website where you can find out more about the pros and cons of using contraceptive implants and injections.

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Contraception - Male And Female Condoms

Monday 25th January 2010

Condoms are what the professionals call a 'barrier' form of protection. They prevent pregnancy by stopping the male sperm from reaching the egg.

It is important to point out here that condoms do not only act as a contraceptive, but as a barrier to sexually transmitted infections,including HIV.

Condoms are made from very thin latex rubber or a very thin plastic, either polyisoprene or polyurethane. Each pack should display either the British BSI Kitemark or the European CE symbol as proof of quality, and clearly state the expiry date of the condoms. Out of date condoms should not be used.

Both male and female condoms are available in the UK and are suitable for most people. The male condom fits over a man’s erect penis. The female condom is put into the vagina and loosely lines it. It is up to you and your partner which type of condom you use.

There are many different varieties and brand names of the male condom. At the moment there is only one brand of female condom available in the UK, called Femidom.

How Effective Are Condoms?

If used correctly, male condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Female condoms are thought to be around 95% effective. Condoms also reduce the risk of STIs being passed between partners.

How To Use A Condom

Condoms are a barrier method of contraception. They stop sperm from reaching an egg by creating a physical barrier between the two, preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Condoms are the only form of contraception to offer protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If used correctly during vaginal, anal and oral sex they can help to protect against STIs.

The penis should not make contact with the vagina before a 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, or if semen leaks into the vagina while using a male or female condom, seek advice about emergency contraception from either your GP or a sexual health clinic. Also, consider having an STI test.

It is best to use another method of contraception as well as a condom, to protect against unintended pregnancy if the condom splits or comes off.

Using male condoms

The male condom fits over a man’s erect penis and should be put on before the penis comes into contact with his partner's vagina, anus or mouth. To use a male condom:

• Take the condom out of the packet, taking care not to tear the condom. Do not open the packet with your teeth.
• Hold the teat at the end of the condom between your finger and thumb to make sure it goes on the right way round and that there is no air trapped inside.
• Still holding the teat, place the condom over the tip of the erect penis.
• Gently roll the condom down to the base of the penis.
• If the condom will not unroll, you are probably holding it the wrong way round. If this happens throw the condom away, as it may have sperm on it, and start with a new condom.
• After sex, withdraw the penis while it is still erect. As you do this hold the condom at the base of the penis to make sure it does not come off.
• Remove the condom from the penis, being careful not to spill any semen, wrap it in tissue and put it in the bin. Do not flush it down the toilet.
• Make sure the man’s penis does not touch the genital area again and, if you have sex again, use a new condom.

Putting on a condom doesn't need to be an interruption to sex. Many people see it as an enjoyable part of their foreplay.

Using female condoms

The female condom is made of polyurethane and is worn inside the vagina to stop sperm getting to the womb. It needs to be put in the vagina before there is any contact between the vagina and penis. It can be put in up to eight hours before sex.

• Take the female condom out of the packet, taking care not to tear the condom. Do not open the packet with your teeth.
• Squeeze the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom with your finger and thumb.
• Using the finger and thumb push the condom as far up the vagina as possible. Make sure the large ring at the open end of the female condom is covering the area around the vaginal opening.
• The outer ring of the condom should be outside the vagina at all times during sex. If the outer ring gets pushed inside the vagina, stop and put it back in the right place.
• Make sure the penis enters the female condom, not between the condom and the side of the vagina.
• After sex, slightly twist and pull the end of the condom to remove it, taking care not to spill any sperm onto the vagina. Wrap the condom in tissue and put it in a bin. Do not flush it down the toilet.

If you have sex more than once always use a new condom, never re-use condoms. Never use two condoms together and always check the expiry date.

If you want to know more about male and female condoms you can visit the NHS website

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