What are Condoms?

Condoms are usually made of latex rubber and cover the penis or sex toys. This is so that semen and other fluids released during sex are not passed between partners. By using condoms during sex, you are less likely to catch a sexually transmitted infection and more likely to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

You can use condoms for Anal, Oral and Vaginal sex. If you have a latex allergy then you can get non latex condoms.

Why Use Condoms?

Male condoms cover the penis and stop sperm getting into the vagina/anus. If used correctly, condoms can help prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections such as, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and blood borne viruses such as HIV.

Male Condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy if used correctly and consistently. Condoms can split, burst or come off if they don’t fit correctly. Male condoms come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit everyone.

If used correctly, female condoms can help prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections and blood borne viruses.

Female condoms are 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. If used correctly and consistently. Unlike a condom, they can be inserted before sex takes place.

How Do I Use Them?

Make sure your condom has the British Standard Kitemark (this means the condom has been safety tested) or the CE European standard mark (meaning the factory has been tested).

Check the expiry date of the condom.

Open the package carefully (don’t use your teeth!)

Make sure the tip is pointing up and the ring is on the outside.

Pinch the tip and keep it pinched as you place the condom on the erect penis or sex toy.

Place the condom on an erect penis or sex toy and roll it as far down as it will go.

The condom should be removed before the penis has totally lost the erection otherwise the contents may spill out.
When finished, hold on to the bottom of the condom when withdrawing the penis, this stops the condom slipping off.

Make sure no semen spills out by tying a knot in the condom. Put it in a bin, not the toilet.

If you have sex again, use a new condom.

Con-Do's & Con-Don'ts

DO Remember you can get Emergency Contraception if a condom breaks or you have sex without using a condom. You can get Emergency Contraception from your pharmacy or GP free of charge.
DO Use a water based lubricant If you are having anal sex, if you or your partner have vaginal dryness. Condoms are more likely to burst if there is a lot of friction. You can get this at any sexual health service or CCard/condom outlet
DO Practice using condoms (if /when you masturbate) if you’re new to using them
DO Try different brands and styles to see what feels & fits best for you.
DO Carry fresh condoms with you all the time – it’s great to be prepared!
DO Check the expiry date before you put one on.
DO Put the condom on before the action starts!
DO Use a flavoured condom for oral sex!
DO Put a new condom on each time you switch between oral, vaginal and anal sex.
DO Use condoms on sex toys and change them- especially if you’re sharing toys.

DON’T Flush used condoms down the toilet. Nobody wants to find a condom on the beach, and fish don’t want them in the ocean!
DON’T Keep condoms in hot places like your car glove-box or wallet.
DON’T Use more than one condom at a time. More condoms doesn’t mean more protection!
DON’T Use condoms that are past their expiry date – they might not keep you safe from STIs and unwanted pregnancy.
DON’T Use any oil-based products as lube – this means baby lotion, lipstick, suntan lotion, moisturisers and body cream, cooking oils and Vaseline. They may damage the condom.
DON’T Use animal skin condoms – they don’t protect against STIs. If you have an allergy to latex you should try polyurethane/non-latex condoms instead.
DON’T Use a condom more than once. It’s a one-time deal!

Where to get Free Condoms?

Where?
The condom finder map shows where free condoms are available.

This includes:

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics in Tayside
LINC clinics for Young people
MOT clinics
Health centres and GP surgeries
Universities and Colleges through student support bases and student associations

Learn more about the CCard here

Distribution

This is where you can get free condoms with your Ccard

Registration

This is where you can unlock your Ccard

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Opening Times

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Interested in becoming a distributor for the Condom Initiative?

If you are interested in joining the Tayside Condom Initiative, so that you can support the people you work with around their sexual health, you can access more information here.

If you have any other questions regarding condom distribution in Tayside, please get in touch with us.

Email: bbvmcn.tayside@nhs.net or graeme.cockburn@nhs.net

What's available?

Finding the right condom for you is essential. The right size, shape and material (latex/non-latex) is really important if you want your condom to be as comfortable as possible.

These are a natural fitting condom, shaped to fit at the head of the penis to be more comfortable.

If you find that standard condoms are a tight fit you can try out our larger condoms. These are wider and longer – getting the size right is important to make sure the condom doesn’t split.

If you find that standard condoms are a loose fit you can try out our trim fit condoms. These are designed to provide a closer fit – getting the size right is important to make sure the condom doesn’t slip.

These are black, latex condoms. They are a little wider than regular condoms.

Female condoms (non-latex) are lubricated sheaths which are worn inside the vagina. The female condom has a ring at each end. The inner ring at the closed end is inserted into the vagina and helps keep the condom in place during sex. The ring at the open end stays outside the vagina.

This non-latex condom is made from is extremely strong and durable material and offers a very high level of protection.

This condom can be safely used by people with a latex allergy. Its unique packaging is easy to open and ensures the condom will always be the right way up.

Lightly lubricated for your comfort, it is safe to use any water and most oil-based lubricants with these condoms.

Flavoured and coloured for tasty fun. Flavours include Mint Tingle (green), Strawberry Crush (red), Chocolate Temptation (brown) and Blueberry Blast (blue).