Frequently asked questions about condoms
Condoms: Those faithful old things with so much history and mystery (and a whole lot of bogus surrounding them!) How many of you can put your hand up and say you’ve read, back to front, the leaflet inside your condom packet?...We didn’t think so!
Fear not, we are here to bust some of the myths about our pal, Jonny.
“It's safer if you use two condoms.”
FICTION! Obviously you already knew this. Right? Right..? Using two condoms is NOT better than one as they are more likely to break. 1 condom = 1 single use. If you’re feeling particularly frisky, have a few at hand so you can grab another whilst you recover.
“You have to be 16 to buy condoms.”
FICTION! Condoms are available at any age and free of charge from contraception clinics, sexual health (GUM) clinics, further education colleges and young people's clinics. These services also provide confidential advice if you fancy a chat.
“Condoms are the safest method of contraception”
FACT! Condoms are the only method of contraception that protect you against STI’s.
“I don't need a condom – I only sleep with nice people”
FICTION! It doesn’t matter how lovely your sexual partner might be. Who knows what’s going on down there?! Especially when some STI’s don’t have physical symptoms. You might like them, you might trust them. But the only way you can be sure you’re protected is by using a condom.
“You don't need a condom if you're having oral sex.”
FICTION! Yes, you absolutely do! You’re going to put their foo-foo/ding-a-ling in your mouth! Gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes can be passed on this way.
“Condoms are the only form of contraception that protect you from STI’s”
FACT! Condoms are the only method that act as a physical barrier against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
“My girlfriend is on the pill, so we don't need condoms”
FICTION! You might be protected against pregnancy but you won’t be protected from STI’s. Also, if your partner forgets to take a pill or has been vomiting, the effectiveness of the pill is lowered and she could still get pregnant.
