Condoms
We are highly committed to reducing unplanned pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using a condom each time you have sex can reduce your risk of both.
Condom use is very important and carrying them around with you shows that you are looking after your sexual health and wellbeing.
Using a condom is all about prevention.
Free condoms
Did you know that you can get free condoms from any one of our Sexual Health Wirral clinics?
If you would like to see a healthcare assistant about using condoms and receive a demonstration as to how to use them correctly you can book an appointment at any one of our clinics.
Our clinics also offer a ‘walk in’ fast track system, which mean you will be able to access free condoms without having to be seen by a health professional.
When you arrive at clinic please ask our receptionist about the fast track criteria.
Coming soon ….Summer 2017 will see Sexual Health Wirral launch a condom distribution scheme aimed at people aged 24 and under. This initiative will see community venues become ‘pick up points’ for free condom collection.
Condom tips
Here are some of the key things you need to know about condoms:
Only use condoms with a BSI kite mark or CE mark - always choose condoms that carry the BSI kite mark or European CE mark, as they are recognised safety standards. Don't use novelty condoms, unless they carry the BSI kite mark or CE mark.
Condom before contact - always put on the condom before there's any contact between the penis and the vagina, mouth or anus.
New sex, new condom - use a new condom every time you have sex.
The 30-minute condom rule - if you're having a long sex session, change condoms after 30 minutes. Friction can weaken the condom, making it more likely to break or fail.
One condom at a time - never use two condoms together, whether that's two male condoms or a female and a male condom. They will rub against each other, and this friction can weaken them and make them more likely to break or fail.
Keep condoms cool - heat can damage condoms, so store them somewhere cool and dry.
Condoms don't last forever - check the expiry date on the packaging, as condoms don't last forever and may be past the point at which they work.
Safer sex on holiday - buy condoms before going on holiday to avoid problems with language and trying to find somewhere to buy them.
Don't use lotion or oils with condoms - don't use body lotions, moisturiser, massage oil, body oil, lipstick or any other oil-based product (such as petroleum jelly, or Vaseline) with latex, polyisoprene or lambskin condoms. This is because they can weaken the condom, making it less effective. Use plenty of water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly (available from pharmacies), especially for anal sex.
Oral sex and condoms - using a condom (apart from lambskin condoms) during oral sex can help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis, and those that affect the mouth or throat, such as herpes, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. You could try using flavoured condoms for variety.
Don't put condoms down the toilet - wrap used condoms in a tissue or piece of paper and put them in a dustbin. Don't flush used condoms down the toilet.
Buying condoms online - if you buy condoms online, don't buy from auction sites such as eBay. Make sure that any condoms you buy have the BSI kite mark or CE mark and haven't gone past the use-by date on the packaging.
If you don't want to get pregnant - to protect against unintended pregnancy, use another form of contraceptive as well, such as the longer-acting methods (the implant, injection, IUS, IUD) or the contraceptive pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring.
