Condoms and Femidoms (the female condom) can make penetrative sexual intercourse - anal or vaginal - very much safer. Condoms and Femidoms will also protect from most other sexually transmitted infections.
The male condom
Condoms with the British Kitemark or the new European CEN mark are recommended for use in vaginal sexual intercourse. No condoms have been scientifically tested for anal sex, but extra strong condoms such as Durex Ultra Strong and Mates Super Strong are widely used.
Standard and extra strong condoms are available free from family planning clinics, genitourinary medicine clinics (known as GUM clinics or STD clinics) and some GPs. Extra strong condoms are sometimes available free from gay venues. Not all chemists stock extra strong condoms.
Most condoms are already lubricated, but extra lubricant should always be used for anal sex to help prevent damage to the rectum or the condom. Vaginal sex is safer and more pleasurable with extra lubricant, particularly when the vagina is dry. Put the lubricant on the condom when it is on the penis, or on the anus or the entrance to the vagina before penetration. To increase the penis's sensitivity, some people also like to put a dab of lubricant inside the tip of the condom before it is put on - don't use a lot, or the condom could come off. Water-based lubricants, such as KY jelly or Boots own brand, are safe to use with latex condoms (all recommended male condoms are made of latex). Oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline or massage oils, will damage latex and make the condom unsafe.
Nonoxynol-9 is a chemical used on some ready-lubricated condoms and in spermicidal creams. As well as killing sperm it provides some protection against HIV and other STDs. But some men and women are allergic to it - it can cause abrasions (roughness) and this increases vulnerability to HIV. If you experience discomfort with a product containing nonoxynol-9, stop using it. Lubricants such as KY and Boots own have no spermicidal properties and will not cause irritation.
The female condom
Femidoms (female condoms) also carry the Kitemark. Like Kitemarked male condoms, they protect against HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.They can be used with most lubricants because they are made of plastic, not latex. They sit inside the vagina instead of fitting onto the penis. If you are using lubricant with a Femidom, put it inside the Femidom or on the penis.
Although designed for use in the vagina, a Femidom can also be inserted into the anus for anal sex. It can be worn by a man as a baggy condom for vaginal or anal sex. Some people remove the Femidom's inner ring before using it for anal sex or as a baggy condom. If it is used for anal sex, lubricant should be put on the inside and outside of the Femidom. Femidoms have not been scientifically tested for use as a baggy male condom or for anal sex.
Condoms are sometimes criticised as being unreliable, based on their failure rate as a contraceptive. In fact, condom failure is usually due to incorrect use or not enough lubricant. It is important to follow the instructions carefully. Neither male nor female condoms should ever be reused.
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