Contraception Condoms For Women

Overview

Condoms are thin covers worn during sex that stop sperm from reaching an egg, so pregnancy cannot happen. There are two kinds. An external condom (often called a male condom) is rolled onto the penis. An internal condom (often called a female condom) is a soft pouch that a woman puts inside her vagina before sex. Both are called barrier methods, because they put a physical barrier in the way. As well as preventing pregnancy, condoms are the only contraceptive method that also helps protect against many sexually transmitted infections (STIs — infections passed from one person to another during sex).

Yes. Condoms are one of the most widely used contraceptive methods in the world, and millions of people rely on them every day. They are popular because they are easy to get, have no hormones, and protect against infections as well as pregnancy.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Redness, itching, burning or soreness in or around the vagina or genitals soon after using a condom — this can be irritation, or sometimes a sign of a latex allergy.
• The condom splits, slips off, or comes off during sex.
• You notice the condom was past its expiry date, or was damaged when opened.
• Vaginal dryness making condoms feel uncomfortable — a water-based or silicone-based lubricant usually helps.
• Worry or anxiety after sex if you are not sure the condom stayed in place.

Symptoms in children

• This topic is not relevant to young children.
• For teenagers, the focus is on age-appropriate relationships and safety education, knowing where to get confidential advice, and feeling able to ask questions without judgement.

Symptoms in older adults

• Condoms are still useful after menopause, because pregnancy is no longer a concern but STIs still are.
• Natural vaginal dryness after menopause can make condoms feel uncomfortable, so lubricant is often helpful.
• Some older adults feel awkward asking about condoms or STI testing. Sexual health services are confidential and used to these conversations.

Causes

Main causes

• Pregnancy happens when sperm meets an egg. Condoms work by blocking that meeting, so they prevent pregnancy only when they are in place for the whole of sex.
• Condoms can fail if they are not put on before any contact, if they are the wrong size, or if they are put on with trapped air at the tip.
• Oil-based products such as baby oil, petroleum jelly, body lotion or cooking oil can weaken latex condoms and make them split. Water-based or silicone-based lubricant is safe to use.
• Heat damages condoms — storing them for a long time in a wallet, a hot car or a bathroom cabinet makes them more likely to break.
• Using the same condom more than once, or using an external and an internal condom at the same time (the friction makes both more likely to break), raises the chance of failure.
• Drinking alcohol or using drugs can make it easier to forget condoms or use them incorrectly.

Risk factors

• Not using a condom every single time, including for oral and anal sex.
• A partner who is unwilling to use condoms, or pressure to have sex without one.
• A latex allergy or sensitivity, which may lead to avoiding condoms altogether rather than switching to a latex-free type.
• Being away from home, on holiday, or in situations where condoms are not to hand.
• Not knowing where to get free condoms or confidential advice.
• Having more than one sexual partner or a new partner, which raises the chance of catching an STI if condoms are not used.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A condom broke, slipped or leaked — see a pharmacist, sexual health clinic or doctor as soon as you can to discuss emergency contraception.
• You have pain in the lower abdomen with a fever, unusual discharge or bleeding between periods.
• You notice a sore, lump, blister or rash on the genitals.
• You think you may have been exposed to an STI, even if you have no symptoms.
• You have a severe reaction to a condom, such as marked swelling or trouble breathing — call your local emergency number if breathing is affected.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You would like help choosing a contraceptive method that suits your body and your life.
• You think you may be sensitive or allergic to latex and want to talk about alternatives.
• Condoms keep breaking or feel uncomfortable, and you want practical advice.
• You want to talk about emergency contraception in advance, so you know your options.
• You would like a routine STI check, or have changed sexual partners.

Diagnosis

You do not need any test or diagnosis to use condoms. If you want advice, a doctor, nurse or pharmacist will simply talk with you about your health, your preferences and what you would like from a contraceptive method, then explain your options. If there is any chance a condom failed or you have been at risk of an STI, they may suggest testing. All of this is confidential.

Tests that may be done

• A pregnancy test, if there is a chance you could be pregnant.
• STI tests, which may include a urine sample, a swab from the vagina or throat, or a blood test, depending on what is being checked.
• A check of your blood pressure and general health if you are also considering hormonal contraception.
• A simple conversation about any reaction you have had to latex or lubricant, which is usually enough to identify sensitivity.

What to expect at your appointment

Appointments are usually short and friendly. You will be asked some questions about your periods, your health and your sexual history — answer as much as you feel comfortable with. You can ask for a female clinician if you prefer. Many clinics give out free condoms and lubricant, and you can take a friend or partner with you if that helps.

Treatment

Condoms are used at the time of sex rather than taken as a treatment. The most important thing is knowing how to use them correctly and consistently. For an external condom, squeeze the tip to push out air, roll it all the way down, and hold the base as you withdraw. For an internal condom, place the inner ring high inside the vagina, guide your partner in, and remove it before standing up. If a condom fails, emergency contraception is available from pharmacies, sexual health clinics, GP practices and some emergency departments, and it works best the sooner it is used.

Self-care at home

• Check the expiry date and open the wrapper carefully with your fingers — teeth, nails and scissors can tear the condom.
• Put the condom on before any genital contact, not partway through.
• Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant if things feel dry. Never use oil-based products with latex condoms.
• Use a new condom every time you have sex, and a new one if you move from one kind of sex to another.
• After sex, hold the base of the condom as you withdraw, then tie it off and put it in a bin, not the toilet.
• Keep a supply where you can reach them easily, and store them somewhere cool and dry.
• If a condom breaks, act quickly — emergency contraception is more effective the earlier it is started.

Medical treatments

There are no medicines needed for using condoms. If a condom fails, a pharmacist or clinician can supply emergency contraception, which is available in several forms, including tablets and a copper device fitted by a clinician. If testing shows you have caught an STI, treatment is available — many STIs are cured with a course of antibiotics, while others are managed with regular monitoring and treatment. For ongoing contraception, a clinician can talk you through all the options, from methods you use only when needed to long-acting ones you do not have to think about daily.

Living with this condition

Using condoms gets easier and feels less awkward with practice. Many people find that talking about condoms before you are in the moment — rather than in bed — makes the conversation much simpler. Keeping condoms and lubricant in a bedside drawer, bag or wallet means you are always ready. Remember that condoms can be combined with another method if you want extra peace of mind: the condom protects you from infections, and the other method covers pregnancy.

Lifestyle tips

• Talk with partners about condoms early, and agree together how you will both use them.
• Keep condoms in a cool, dry place and check dates regularly so you are never caught out.
• Be mindful of alcohol and drugs, which make forgetting or mishandling condoms more likely.
• Have regular STI checks if you have new or more than one partner — testing is quick, often free and confidential.
• Know your local options in advance: pharmacy, sexual health clinic, GP practice and young people's services, so you know where to go if something goes wrong.

Diet and exercise

What you eat does not affect how well condoms work. General healthy living — staying active, eating well, sleeping enough and looking after your mental health — helps your overall wellbeing and sexual health. One practical point is worth knowing: some oils and lotions that people keep at home, such as baby oil, petroleum jelly or body lotion, damage latex condoms. Keep them away from condoms and use a proper lubricant instead. Regular activity and good general health also support a healthy sex life.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Worry about pregnancy or infections can be stressful and can affect how you feel about sex. If you feel pressure to have sex without a condom, or if a partner refuses to use one, that is worth talking about with someone you trust or a health professional — you have the right to make your own choices about your body. If you have experienced sexual violence, support is available and you do not have to cope alone. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out: contact a trusted doctor, a local mental health service, or a crisis line in your area, and if you feel at immediate risk, call your local emergency number.

Prevention

Condoms are themselves a prevention method, and using them correctly every time is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections during sex. The key steps are consistency, correct use, and using a fresh condom every time. Combining condoms with another contraceptive method gives extra protection against unintended pregnancy.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine against pregnancy, but the HPV vaccine protects against the types of human papillomavirus that cause most cervical cancers and genital warts. It is offered to young people in many countries, and some older people may also benefit — ask your doctor or clinic whether it is right for you.

Screening programmes

If you are sexually active with new or multiple partners, regular STI testing is sensible even when you have no symptoms, because many infections are silent. Also attend cervical screening (smear tests) at the interval recommended where you live, as this detects early changes before they become serious.

Complications

If left untreated

• An unintended pregnancy if a condom fails and emergency contraception is not used.
• Sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV and HPV, many of which cause no symptoms at first.
• Untreated infections can lead to pelvic infection, which can cause long-term pelvic pain and fertility problems.
• Ongoing worry or anxiety about pregnancy and infections, which can affect relationships and wellbeing.
• Repeated irritation from latex, if the cause is not identified and condoms are simply avoided instead.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. Condoms are simple, low-cost, widely available and do not involve hormones or a procedure. Used correctly and consistently, they are highly effective at preventing pregnancy and they also protect against most STIs. If a condom does break, there are clear steps you can take quickly, and health services are there to help without judgement. Most people, with a little practice and an honest conversation with a partner or a health professional, find a way of using condoms that fits comfortably into their life.

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