Physical health

Get the facts on sexual health screening, contraception and sexually transmitted infections.

Sexually transmitted infections

Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Genital herpes
Pubic lice
Scabies
NSU

HIV
Syphilis
Trichomonas vaginalis
Thrush
Genital warts


To prevent sexually transmitted infections as well as pregnancy you must use a barrier method of contraception. This fpa factsheet describes one of the most popular - condoms.

What are they?

Condoms are barrier methods that prevent sperm meeting an egg. There are male and female condoms. Condoms are made of latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic).




Advantages:

Very effective
Easily available (male condoms)
Only need to use them when you have sex
Help to protect against some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
Male condoms come in many different varieties, shapes and sizes
Female condoms can be put in at any time before sex

Disadvantages:

Can interrupt sex
Male condoms can slip off or split if used incorrectly
When using the female condom care is needed to ensure the penis goes inside the condom and not down the side of the condom and the vagina
Some people are sensitive to the chemicals in latex condoms, although this is not common
Oil-based lubricants, such as body oils or lotions, should not be used with latex condoms