Condoms

Condoms are made of latex or polyurethane (thin rubber materials) and fit over the penis when it is erect.Before you have sex, the boy puts one over his penis and this stops his sperm from going inside the girl's vagina.If you follow the instructions and use a new one every time you have sex, condoms are 99% effective. As well as stopping you from getting pregnant, condoms are the only type of contraception that can protect you against STIs. One in nine people has had an STI so the chances of catching something are higher

than you might think.You can buy condoms in lots of places including chemists and supermarkets. You can also get them for free from your local young person's sexual health clinic, GUM clinic or Family Planning clinic. You can get female condoms too. A female condom is like a pouch and it is made out of a thin plastic substance called polyurethane. It lines the inside of a girl's vagina and stops her from getting pregnant as well as preventing STIs. You should only use a female condom once. If the boy is wearing a condom you shouldn't use the female version too; they will rub against each other which might make them break

How to put on a condom

Get the facts Keep your condoms in a cool, dark place. Heat can damage them.Condoms don't last forever. Check the use-by date.Keep your condoms handy if there's a chance you're going to have sex. Sperm comes out way before a boy ejaculates so put a condom on before you get going.'Gel charging' (putting a little extra lubricant onto the head of the penis before you roll the condom on) can feel extra good!Never use a condom more than once. If you can't afford to buy them you can get some free at your local clinic.MythsCondoms are made to fit all shapes and sizes. You might need to look around for ones that fit right. Two condoms are NOT better than one. Only ever wear one at a time. Lubricants make condoms easier to put on and make sex more comfortable; but baby oil is NOT the right kind of lubricant to use. Anything with oil in it will increase the chances of the condom splitting, so make sure you use a lubricant that is made for use during sex