Condoms: an honest look at the pros and cons
The one method that also protects against infection, and how reliable they really are.
Wondering what this means for you? We can help. Talk to a doctor about contraception.
Condoms are the one method we do not prescribe or sell, but they deserve a mention, because they do something no other contraceptive does.
What they do
A condom is a barrier. It stops sperm meeting egg, and it stops the exchange of fluids that pass infections between partners. There are external condoms, worn on the penis, and internal condoms, worn inside the vagina. No hormones, no prescription, used only when you need them.
The big advantage: they protect against infections
Condoms are the only contraceptive that also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV. No pill, coil, implant or injection does that. For anyone with a new partner, or more than one partner, that alone is a strong reason to use them, on their own or alongside another method.
The other pros
They have no hormones, so none of the hormonal side effects. They are available without a prescription, and free from sexual health clinics and many young people's services. They work straight away, with nothing to remember day to day. And there are non-latex versions for anyone with a latex allergy.
The cons
How well a condom prevents pregnancy depends entirely on using one correctly, every single time. Around 98 percent effective with perfect use, but closer to 87 percent in real life, because they can go on late, slip, or split. That makes them less reliable for preventing pregnancy than the coil, the implant, the injection, or the pill taken well. Some people find they interrupt the moment, and a few are allergic to latex.
The honest takeaway
For protection against infection, condoms are unmatched, and worth using whenever that matters. For preventing pregnancy on their own, they are good but not the most reliable option. Many people use the best of both: a long-acting method or the pill for pregnancy, and condoms for infection. That is not caution for its own sake; it is the only way to cover both at once.
We do not sell condoms. They are free from sexual health clinics and many pharmacies. If you would like to check for infections, we offer STI testing.
Wondering what this means for you? We can help. Talk to a doctor about contraception.
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Explore everything about contraception
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Choosing a pill: combined or progestogen-only
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Patch, ring or pill: choosing
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Switching or restarting the pill
Contraception after pregnancy and breastfeeding
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The seven-day rule explained
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Skipping your period
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Missed a pill? Where it falls matters
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Why you bleed at all: a short history
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Combined pills: who they suit
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Progestogen-only pills and the 24-hour window
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The contraceptive patch (Evra)
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The vaginal ring (NuvaRing)
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The contraceptive injection
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Is the pill safe? An honest look
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Side effects: skin, mood, libido, weight
The pill and blood-clot risk, in proportion
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Migraine and the pill
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How we decide what is safe for you
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