What are Condoms?

 

 

 

Condoms are usually made of latex rubber and cover the penis or sex toys. This is so that semen and other fluids released during sex are not passed between partners. By using condoms during sex, you are less likely to catch a sexually transmitted infection and more likely to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

 

You can use condoms for Anal, Oral and Vaginal sex. If you have a latex allergy then you can get non-latex condoms. Always use lube if you are having anal sex.

 

Condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs as long as they’re used properly.

 

 

Types and Sizes

 

Condoms come in loads of different sizes, shapes, textures and flavours so there is a type of condom to suit everyone including female condoms. It is really important that you get a condom that fits right so you may have to try a few sizes until you get the right one.

 

A range of free condoms, dams and lubricant are available at sexual health clinics, and youth services throughout Tayside including different sizes and flavours.  They also provide non-latex ones and female condoms.

 

 

Femidoms

 

 

A female condom is like a thin plastic pouch which lines the inside of a girl's vagina and stops her from getting pregnant as well as preventing STIs. They can be put in up to 8 hours before sex.

 

  • Make sure the penis enters the condom and not between the condom and the vagina and that the open end of the condom stays outside the vagina
  • You should never use two condoms or a condom and a Femidom, at the same time, this will create more friction and cause the condom to break.
  • Condoms should only ever be used once.

 

 

 

Dams

 

Dams are latex squares that make oral sex with a woman safer by preventing sexually transmitted infections.

 

They can also be used if you want to lick or kiss someone's anus (bum hole).

They come in a range of flavours and a non-latex version too.

 

Unfortunately Dams are no longer available for free, through the NHS

 

 

Lube

 

 

Lubricant (lube) helps to make it easier and smoother for the penis to enter the vagina or anus.

 

• Always use water based lube with condoms

 

• Never use condoms with oil based products such as Vaseline, body oil or suntan oil, as these will damage the rubber. Lipstick can destroy condoms too

 

• Always use lubricant for anal sex because the anus has no natural lubrication

 

For more info on condoms click here