Condoms, when correctly and consistently used, help to make sex safer. They help to protect against sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and against unintended pregnancy. They're available in all sorts of colours, shapes, flavours, textures and sizes. The range and choice can make them fun to use. It is important to use one properly every time you have sex.

Where to get condoms

• NHS CASH services (used to be called Family planning clinics)
• NHS GUM clinics (now incorporated into CASH clinics)
• Young people's clinics if you are under 25

You can also buy condoms from:

• Pharmacists and drug-stores
• Supermarkets
• Petrol stations
• Vending machines in men's and women's toilets
• Mail-order catalogues
• Internet Most shops are self-service so you don't have to ask.

Using condoms

• Getting used to condoms can take practice. They may seem a bit of a nuisance at first, but once they have become part of your sex life, you should feel more comfortable with them. Find out more about how to use a condom.

Condom tips

• Always choose condoms that carry the European CE mark
• Always put the condom on well before you start to have penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus)
• Use a new condom every time
• Never use two condoms together
• Heat can damage condoms - store in a cool, dry place
• Check the expiry date - condoms don't last for ever
• Buy condoms before going on holiday to avoid problems with language and availability
• For anal sex always use plenty of water-based lubricant such as KY jelly, Clinigel, Sensel or Boots lubricating jelly
• For oral sex using a condom can protect against many sexually transmitted infections.

Lubricants and spermicide

Lubricants - most condoms are already lubricated but some people find that using extra lubricant can improve sex and help prevent the condom tearing. You can buy lubricant in tubes and tubs from chemists and supermarkets but remember:

• Only use water-based lubricants (such as KY jelly, Clinigel, Sensel or Boots lubricating jelly) on latex condoms
• Never use oil-based lubricants such as baby oil as they will damage the condom and make it unsafe. Don't use saliva either, because it will dry up too quickly.
• For anal sex use plenty of water-based lubricant to help prevent tearing. Many condoms already have spermicide on them and this will be stated on the packet. You can also buy spermicide separately from the chemist in the form of foams, creams, pessaries or gels. Some people find that spermicide causes an allergic reaction so they choose condoms without spermicide.

Polyurethane condoms

There is a type of condom, the "Avanti" which is made of very thin plastic. It is thinner than latex condoms and is said to increase sensitivity and currently cost three times more. The "Avanti" comes with the CE mark but it is not kitemarked. Failure rates are about the same as for other condoms but there have been no tests on the use of "Avanti" for anal sex.

Female condom

The female condom lines the vagina. It has two rings to keep it in place. Staff at a family planning clinic can show you how to fit and use the female condom properly. The female condom:

• Fits inside the vagina
• Protects against sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) and pregnancy
• Is made from thin polyurethane and lubricated with a spermicide free lubricant
• Can be put in any time before sex
• Isn't known to cause allergic reactions
• It is preferred by some women as they feel it gives them more control
• Is preferred by some men because it feels good and they don't like the male condom

When is it safe to stop using condoms?

It's safest to carry on using condoms until all the following apply:

• You are certain neither of you has any other sexually transmitted infection so you may want to have a check up at an NHS sexual health (GUM) clinic
• Both of you are sure you won't have unprotected sex with anyone else
• Your are both sure you won't share drug-injecting equipment with anyone If you want more information you can call the Sexual Health and National AIDS Helpline free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123 for more information on sexual health (including HIV) or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.

Putting the condom on

• Wait until the penis gets hard then take the condom out of the pack carefully.
• Do not use your teeth to tear open the wrapper!
• Watch out for rings and sharp fingernails which can tear the condom.
• Don't unroll or stretch the condom before putting it on.

Step By step instructions

If the penis has a foreskin which is easy to roll back, you may find it easier to do this before putting on the condom.

• Unroll the condom a bit to check that it's the right way round before putting it near the erect penis. Squeeze the tip of the condom to get rid of any air. Place over the tip of the hard penis.
• Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis.
• If you are using a water-based lubricant, spread it over the outside of the condom when it's on the penis.
• Check during sex that the condom hasn't slipped off. After sex, withdraw carefully while the penis is still hard.

Taking the condom off

• Hold the condom at the base when you pull out, to stop it slipping off.
• Wrap the condom in a tissue.
• Dispose of the condom carefully in a bin, not down the toilet.

Female condoms

The female condom is designed to line the vagina. It has two rings to keep it in place. The ring at the closed end of the condom fits inside the vagina. The one at the open end stays outside. Female condoms are available from the Students' Association and the same outlets as male condoms. Contact the Sexual Health and National AIDS Helpline on 0800 567 123 for details.