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Contraception - Management
Condoms: male and female
What information should I give to a person who is considering the male condom?
- Provide information:
- On the advantages and disadvantages of the male condom.
- About contraceptive efficacy of the male condom and the method currently used.
- To put on the condom on before the penis contacts the partner's genitals, anus, or mouth.
- To not use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms.
- To not use in combination with a spermicide.
- To use a lubricant (not oil-based) for anal sex.
- Should the condom slip or break, the need to consider the chance of:
- Infection and the possible need for post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV infection.
- Pregnancy and the possible need for emergency contraception (to be taken as soon as possible). For further information, see the CKS topic on Contraception - emergency.
- To check that the package has relevant safety markings (e.g. BS Kitemark) and appropriate expiry date.
In depth
How should I advise someone with suspected allergy or sensitivity to male latex condoms?
- For someone (either partner) with suspected allergy or sensitivity to latex:
- Confirm the cause if genital irritation appears to be associated with condom use.
- Check the type of condom being used and if is prelubricated with spermicide — reactions to spermicide are more common than reactions to latex.
- Advise the person to use condoms made from polyurethane or synthetic polyisoprene. Deproteinized male latex condoms can also be considered.
- Consider skin latex sensitivity tests and/or specific serum IgE antibodies against latex.
In depth
What information should I give to a woman who is considering the female condom?
- Provide information on:
- The advantages and disadvantages of the female condom.
- Correct use of the female condom.
- Efficacy of the female condom in preventing pregnancy, and in preventing sexually transmitted infections.
- Female condoms are likely to prevent transmission of all sexually transmitted infections if used consistently and correctly.
- However, male latex condoms are recommended as being more effective in preventing transmission of HIV, genital herpes simplex virus, syphilis and gonorrhoea.
- Precautions that may be necessary should the condom be displaced or break:
- If there is a risk of infection, post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV infection should be considered.
- If there is a risk of pregnancy, emergency contraception should be considered. For further information, see the CKS topic on Contraception - emergency.
- Checking the expiry date.
- Consider demonstrating use of the condom.
In depth
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