If you're under 25 years old, you can get free condoms from a wide range of locations across Dorset:
Condoms are the only contraceptive method that protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The male condom is a sheath or covering that is worn over the penis during sex. They are designed to stop a man's semen from coming into contact with his sexual partner. They can be used by men having sex with women or men to prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs.
Each condom can only be used once, so protection only lasts as long as the condom is intact and worn on the penis.
To prevent pregnancy the condom must stop any sperm from reaching the vagina. Small amounts of sperm are released from the penis before ejaculation, so for condoms to be effective they must be used during any contact between the penis and vagina. Putting on the condom late or removing the condom during sex will result in much higher risk of pregnancy.
Condoms are often used by people who are not in long term relationships, or who prefer not to use a long term or hormonal method of contraception. Condoms are easy to carry around and can be thrown in a bin after use. Condoms are easy to put on with a bit of practice.
To put it on, first check the roll is on the outside. Squeeze the teat of the condom and roll it down the penis with your other hand.
Condoms are a barrier method of contraception. They stop sperm from reaching an egg by creating a physical barrier between them. Condoms also prevent the transmission of STIs by providing a barrier. Condoms can be used for vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Condoms are a good method of contraception if you remember to keep them with you when you think you are going to have sex. You should also be confident about putting them on or asking your partner to put one on.
Condoms become less effective at preventing pregnancy if:
The condom splits or comes off:
If this happens, you need to consider 2 things:
If the condom splits or comes off, you can visit a clinic or pharmacy to receive emergency contraception (EC). This must be taken within 5 days of having unprotected sex. To find your nearest EC service, visit sxt.org.uk.
You should also take an STI test as you may have been exposed to an infection when the condom split.
If you are a man who has sex with men think you are at risk of HIV because a condom has split or come off, preventative medication (PEP) is available. This will reduce your chance of becoming infected with HIV, but must be started within 3 days of exposure. To find your nearest PEP service, visit sxt.org.uk.
No, there are no restrictions on buying condoms, or on getting free and confidential advice about using condoms or other contraception.
Condoms come ready lubricated to make them easier to use, but you may also like to use additional lubricant, or ‘lube’. This is particularly advised for anal sex, to reduce the chance of the condom splitting.
Any kind of lubricant can be used with condoms that are not made of latex. However, if you are using latex condoms, do not use oil-based lubricants, such as: body oil or lotion, petroleum jelly or creams (such as Vaseline). This is because they can damage the latex and make the condom more likely to split. Lubricants are cheap and available in most pharmacies, at sexual health clinics and online.
Yes, you should use a condom for oral sex because gonorrhoea, chlamydia, oral HPV and herpes can be passed on this way.
Yes, if you think you are at risk of STIs, you should use a condom during sex when pregnant to protect yourself and your baby from contracting an infection.
If the condom splits or comes off, you can visit a clinic or pharmacy to receive emergency contraception (EC). This must be taken within 5 days of having unprotected sex. To find your nearest EC service, visit sxt.org.uk.
You should also take an STI test as you may have been exposed to an infection when the condom split.
If you are a man who has sex with men and think you are at risk of HIV because a condom has split or come off, preventative medication (PEP) is available. This will reduce your chance of becoming infected with HIV but must be started within 3 days of exposure. To find your nearest PEP service, visit sxt.org.uk.
Take the condom out of the packet, taking care not to tear it with jewellery or fingernails – do not open the packet with your teeth.
The Dorset C-Card scheme provides free condoms for people between 13 and 19. All you have to do is visit one of our C-Card venues, have a short confidential consultation with a trained member of staff who will then give you a C-Card and condoms. Once you have a C-Card you can access free condoms from venues on our list of C-Card distributors. To find a C-Card venue that's handy for you, use our Find a service tool and select 'C-Card Venue' from the dropdown menu.
For most people there are no serious risks associated with using condoms, although some people are allergic to latex condoms. You can get condoms that are latex free.
Yes, menstrual blood is a natural fluid and will not have any impact on the condom’s effectiveness.
If you are using condoms to prevent pregnancy you should use them during sex on every day of your cycle, including during your period, when there is still a small risk of pregnancy.
If using condoms to prevent STIs then you should use them during sex on every day of your cycle, including during your period.
When you feel ready to have sex again, it is safe for you to use a condom. You may need to use one even if you are returning to another method of contraception, as it can take time for other methods to start working.
To make an appointment or for further advice, please call:
0300 303 1948
Phoneline open 08:15-16:45 Monday-Friday
(closed 12:30-13:30 for lunch)