Condoms: know the facts

There are a huge number of myths surrounding condoms. Make sure you’re armed with the facts.

MYTH It’s safer if you use two condoms.
TRUTH Using two condoms at once is a really bad idea, whether it’s two male condoms or a male and female condom. Neither of you will feel much, and it increases the chances of them ripping. If you’re worried, buy extra-safe instead.

MYTH Condoms break easily.
TRUTH If a condom breaks, it’s probably been put on wrongly or torn by nails or jewellery. If there’s an air bubble at the end that can cause a tear. And if one has been put on inside-out it’ll be uncomfortable to roll on, so take it off and put a new one on. If one does break and you’re not using any other contraception, go to a clinic or doctor as soon as possible and ask about emergency contraception.

MYTH You need extra lube. Vaseline is good.
TRUTH Most condoms have lubrication. A bit of extra lubrication can be good, but be careful what you use. Don’t use anything with oil in it as it can dissolve the condom – that includes baby oil, Vaseline and hand cream. Use a water-based lubricant such as KY jelly, Clinigel or Sensel from a pharmacy. Remember, lipstick has oil in it, too.

MYTH Condoms make him less sensitive.
TRUTH It’s true that a condom will make some men last longer before they come. Good news for both of you.

MYTH Condoms cut off his circulation.
TRUTH A condom can stretch to 18 inches round. He’ll be fine.

You can buy condoms at any age. You can also get them free, as well as getting confidential advice, at any age, from community contraception clinics, Brook centres and NHS sexual health clinics.'

MYTH I’m on the pill, so we don’t need condoms.
TRUTH If you have unprotected sex with a guy, you’re putting a lot of trust in him. It’s like sleeping with every girl he’s ever slept with, and all the men they’ve ever had. If he’s not wearing a condom, you’re not protected against STIs. And if you’ve forgotten to take a pill, or been sick, or using antibiotics, you could still get pregnant.

MYTH If I ask to use a condom, he’ll think less of me.
TRUTH If you use condoms regularly he’ll know you’re unlikely to have an STI. By using them, you show that you respect him and yourself.

MYTH You don’t need a condom if you’re having oral sex.
TRUTH Most people don’t use condoms for oral sex but most people don’t know that gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes can be passed to each other through oral sex.

MYTH You have to be 18 to buy condoms.
TRUTH You can buy condoms at any age. You can also get them free, as well as getting confidential advice, at any age, from community contraception clinics (formerly family planning clinics, Brook centres and NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics).

MYTH I don’t need a condom – I only go with nice guys.
TRUTH Nice guys have STIs too, and they may not have symptoms. Even if he’s only slept with one other girl, he could give you an STI.

MYTH If it’s a condom, it’s safe.
TRUTH Not necessarily – some novelty condoms aren’t safe. Always choose condoms that carry the European CE mark, a recognised safety standard. DO NOT use novelty condoms – they’re not safe.

REMEMBER, THE AGE OF CONSENT FOR ANY FORM OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY IS 16 FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN