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It is a good idea to use a condom, as they are the only form of contraceptive that protect you against sexually transmitted infections, STI's for short. Using a condom and water based lubricant every time you have sex means you have less chance of:

• becoming pregnant
• getting an STI including HIV/AIDS

Using a water based lubricant like KY jelly or Wet Stuff each time you use a condom reduces the risk of the condom breaking. Avoid oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly (vaseline), massage oil or other body lotions as this can cause the condom to break.

When choosing your condoms you can go for either a male or female condom.

The male condom

The male condom is a fine latex sheath, which is worn on an erect or stiff penis. The condom collects the sperm and stops it from entering the vagina and uterus. Check out the video above for tips on how to put one on.

How well do they work?

Condoms can be very effective when used properly. To make sure you are using them properly you should:

• check the use by date
• use a new one every time you have sex
• avoid re-using condoms
• make sure you are putting it on and taking it off the right way.

Side effects

There are no side effects when you use a condom, unless you have an allergy to latex rubber or to the lubricant. This is not common. However, if you do have an allergic reaction you may be able to use a non-latex condom. See female condom section below.

For more information about Non-latex condoms contact FP NSW Healthline 1300 658 886 or your local youth friendly doctor.

Advantages versus disadvantages

Like any other type of contraception using a male condom has both advantages and disadvantages. You may want to think about what they mean for you. Some of the advantages may be:

• Condoms decrease the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS.
• Condoms are easy to find and you don't need a doctor to get them.
• They don't cost a lot to buy.

One disadvantage of using a condom is that the latex is perishable which means it needs to be kept in a cool place and used before the expiry date.

Condoms often break if they are used with oil based lubricants such as massage oil, vaseline, vegetable oil or other oils. It is best to use a water based lubricant such as KY Jelly, Wet Stuff or GLYDE.

Where do you get them?

You can usually get a male condom and water based lubricant at:

• a supermarket
• chemist
• youth health centres
• Sexual health centres
• FPA health centres
• vending machines.

The female condom

The female condom also collects the sperm and stops it from entering the vagina and uterus. The female condom is made of non-latex polyurethane and is lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant. Oil based lubricant can also be used with the female condom.

How well does it work?

Like the male condom, female condoms are also good at preventing pregnancy and STI's if they are used properly. It is a good idea to read the instructions on the packet before you use it. This will show you how to put the female condom into the vagina. It is recommended that the female condom be used only once. It is not a good idea to use the male condom with a female condom as this can cause it to tear or move out of place.

Side effects

The only side effect of using a female condom may be having an allergic reaction to the polyurethane or the lubricant. However, this is not common. If you are worried about an allergy you could contact FP NSW Healthline 1300 658 886 or your doctor. Check out your local phone book to find a doctor in your area.

Advantages versus disadvantages

Some of the advantages may be:

• it can be put in before sex and does not need to be removed straight after sex
• it reduces the risk of pregnancy and STI's
• you don't need a doctor to get them

Some of the disadvantages may be:

• they are more expensive than the male condom
• harder to find places to get them
• they may be harder to use. Knowing your body and being comfortable with it may make it easier to use a female condom.

Where do you get it?

You can pick up a female condom from:

• FPA health centres
• Sexual Health Centres
• FP NSW Healthline 1300 658 886.

More information

FP NSW Healthline - 1300 65 88 86.