Condoms, female condoms and dams are all provided free to clients who visit our Caledonia Youth services in Edinburgh and Tullibody.

Condoms form a protective barrier between the penis and vagina, stopping sperm from entering the women's vagina and helping to prevent pregnancy. They are also a great way to prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

There are different shapes, sizes and styles to suit everyone. Some people may be allergic to the latex found in most types of condoms. Polyurethane condoms are also avialable from Caledonia Youth, which are suitable for people with latex allergy. Speak to a nurse at Caledonia Youth if you want more information

How effective are they?

Used correctly, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and a useful barrier against a wide range of STIs. But many people are unsure how to use or keep condoms properly, which can greatly increase the chance of condom failure.

Condoms - consider this:

• Condoms are free from Caledonia Youth
• Each condom should have an expiry date - don’t use it if it has expired
• Make sure the packaging has a British standards Kitemark® – proving they are a high standard
• Keep condoms in a cool, dark place, away from heat and direct sunlight
• Using water based lubricants such as KY can help lower the risk of a condom tearing and make sex more pleasurable
• Condoms are more likely to break if they are in contact with anything oily such as massage or body oils
• Watch out for sharp fingernails or jewellery to avoid tearing the condom
• Open the packet carefully with your fingers, not your teeth, to avoid tearing the condom
• To work properly condoms need to be put on a man’s erect penis before penetration and removed as soon as he has cum, so it doesn’t slip off

Check it out:

• Condoms - the FAQs
• Female Condoms
• Dams

Condoms - the FAQs

Is it safer if you use two condoms at the same time?
No, in fact if two condoms are used at the same time the friction between them can mean there is a greater chance of them breaking.

What happens if the condom rips or slips off?
If a condom slips off or rips during sex, the risk of pregnancy or catching an STIs becomes far greater. If you are concerned, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible for an emergency contraceptive and STI testing if required.

Can flavoured condoms be used for sex?
Yes, all condoms that carry a Kitemark® and within their use by date are safe for all forms of sex. Some novelty condoms, like alcohol flavoured, may not have met these high standards. It is best to check the pack for a Kitemark® before using them.

Is it safe to use condoms from vending machines?
Yes, but always check for a Kitemark® and the use-by date. Many vending machines carry novelty condoms that have not met high standards or might have been there for a long time and are out of date. At Caledonia Youth, we always recommend you plan ahead and carry condoms with a Kitemark®.

Are Extra Strong condoms just for anal sex?
No, Extra condoms have slightly more lube on them that may make anal sex easier and more pleasurable, but they can also be used as a protection for vaginal and oral sex.

Do condoms really fit everyone?
Yes, penises are different shapes and sizes - so are condoms. Often it’s just a matter of trying different condoms until you find one comfortable for you.

Does stopping to put on a condom disrupt sex?
Putting on a condom doesn’t need to disrupt sex. It can be part of foreplay. If you are nervous or unsure about how to put on a condom correctly, then why not drop in to speak with one of the Caledonia Youth team who can demonstrate how it is done. Clients can also take condoms home to practice on themselves first.

What does lube do?
Lubrication usually forms naturally in the vagina as a woman is turned on before and during sex. At some times of the month there may not be as much, simply use a water based lubrication – often known as lube - such as KY to make sex easier and more pleasurable. Lube can help correct condom use by reducing pressure and friction but make sure it is water and not oil based, such as massage or body oils, that can make them more likely to tear. This is really important during anal sex as the anus lacks natural lubrication.

Is it safe to start having sex without a condom, then put on the condom before you cum?
No, it’s not safe. A man’s penis releases a clear liquid when he has an erection called pre cum. Although the man may not have cum fully, pre cum can contain millions of sperm and there is the risk of STIs if you are not properly protected with a condom.

Is it true that some condoms don’t work?
No, if used properly condoms are 98% affective, but always check they have a Kitemark® and are within their use-by date.

Female condoms

The female condom - or femidom - is a barrier similar to a condom. Instead of putting it on the penis, it is placed inside the woman’s vagina to prevent sperm from entering. It helps prevent pregnancy and STIs.

How effective are they?

If used correctly, the female condom is 95% effective at stopping pregnancy and can also prevent some STIs.

Female condoms – consider this:

• Female condoms are free from Caledonia Youth
• Each female condom should have an expiry date - check it has not expired
• Make sure your female condoms packaging has a CE mark – this proves that they are tested to a high standard
• Be careful that the man’s penis enters the condom and not between the vagina and the condom
• Do not to push the condom too far into the vagina
• Watch out for sharp fingernails or jewellery to avoid tearing the condom
• Open the packet carefully with your fingers, not your teeth, to avoid tearing the condom
• Only use the female condom once

Dams

A dam is a latex or polyurethane square about 15cm by 15cm, which is used to cover the female genitals or anus. It acts as a barrier to help prevent the spread of some STIs during oral sex.

Dams – consider this:

Cover the genitals with the dam before any contact with the mouth and hold it in place during oral sex