Category > Looking after yourself, Relationships
Contraception - Your Body your Choice
There are many different contraceptive methods. This article gives a short overview on the Male and Female Condom. If you want to find out more information about contraception speak with your local contraception and sexual health clinic.
Male Condom
What is it: Made from latex (can also get non-latex condoms if someone has an allergy to latex), a condom is used to cover a penis preventing sperm from entering the vagina.
Advantages: Is the only form of contraception that protects against STI’s. Easy to use. No artificial hormones are involved. There are many different types, even really thin condoms (but just as strong) so if people don’t like the feel of condoms it feels more sensitive when having sex with their partner. No serious side effects.
Disadvantages: Couples may find condoms interrupt sex (stopping to get the condom etc) but this can be used as part of the foreplay. Condoms are strong, however if not used correctly may tear or split.
Checks to do on a condom: Condoms are 98-99% effective. The 1 or 2% the’re not is when the checks haven’t been done or they are not used correctly.
Checks to do:
- 🍆 The condom should be put on when the penis is erect (hard) and before it comes into contact with your partner’s body.
- Check the condom is in date. All condoms should have an expiry date, if the condom is out of date the lubricant on the condom can dry out and the condom can split.
- Make sure the condom has a kite mark on it either a CE or heart symbol which means it has been tested to a good standard.
- Make sure there is air in the packet by moving the condom to the side of the packet. If there is no air in the packet (the packet is flat) it means the packet has been pierced which can make the lubricant dry out and easier for the condom to split. If there is no air in the packet do not use it, get another condom.
- Open the packet carefully using hands (don’t use teeth to open the packet) 😬🤦🏽
- Make sure the condom is the right way up. It should look like a Mexican hat (diagram) with the condom coming up through the middle of the ring.
7. Hold the tip of the condom between your forefinger and thumb to make sure no air is trapped inside the tip (the condom could split if air is trapped inside). 8. Place the condom over the tip of the penis. 9. While squeezing the tip of the condom, roll it down over the length of the erect penis. Note: If the condom will not unroll, it’s probably on the wrong way round. Take it off and start again with a new condom as there may be sperm on it.
During and after Sex:
- Make sure the condom stays in place while you’re having sex. If it comes off, stop and put on a new one on.
- After ejaculation, while the penis is still hard, hold the condom in place and carefully withdraw your penis from your partner’s body.
- Only take the condom off the penis when there is no further contact with your partner’s body.
- Never use a condom twice!
- Never use 2 condoms (one on top of the other)!!. 2 condoms is NOT better or more protected than 1. Friction can happen between them and they can end up both splitting or tearing.
Female Condom
What is it: Similar to a male condom but is placed inside the vagina.
Advantages: Protects against STI’s. No serious side affects
Disadvantages: Could get pushed into the vagina. Would need to make sure the penis is in the female condom in the vagina. Although available not as used and as popular as the male condom
Withdrawal Method – It’s NOT a method!!! Don’t use it!!!
You may have heard of the withdrawal method. Also known as ‘pulling out’. This involves the penis being removed from the vagina prior to ejaculation to prevent pregnancy. This is seen as a risky and non-effective form of contraception as prior to a male orgasm and ejaculation there is a small amount of pre-ejaculate semen, also known as precum, which contains sperm. Even this tiny amount of precum, before ejaculating can lead to pregnancy if the female is ovulating.
Also the withdrawal method does not protect you from STI’s.
