The holiday season can be exciting – hanging out more, getting closer to someone, or just having fun with friends. If you choose to have sex with someone, condoms are there to help you stay in control and enjoy the moment.
Condoms protect you from:
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Unplanned pregnancy (if you are not ready to have a baby)
And it's never been easier to get free condoms - you can get them online or pick up in person.
How to Get Free Condoms
Free Condoms by Post
If you are 16 years or older, you can register for a free and secure account online and request free condoms. Condoms will then be posted to your postal address in discreet packaging.
Click here to register for a free account and order your free condoms
Get It On Condom-Card
A Get It On (GIO) Condom-Card is a card for under 24 year olds which is given to you by a trained worker that allows you to get free condoms at participating venues. You just need to show your card and you’ll be given free condoms.
Click hereto find out how to get a card and where to use it. You can use your Condom-Card anywhere you see this logo
Sexual Health Clinic
You can pick up free condoms from your nearest sexual health clinic – Click here to find your nearest clinic
Build Confidence by Practising
Using condoms gets easier the more familiar you are. Many people feel unsure the first time, so practising on your own is a great way to feel more confident before you’re with someone else.
Why practise?
You get used to the feel and fit
You learn how to put one on correctly (you can practise with a banana, cucumber or even just with your fingers)
You won’t feel rushed or panicky later
You’ll feel calmer and more in control
Don’t forget:
Check that the condom is in date (yes, they expire and won’t protect you)
Open it gently (not with teeth or scissors as you may damage the condom)
Pinch the tip to keep the air out
Roll it down smoothly
Take your time – it's practice!
When Condoms go Wrong (it happens!)
Even when you try your best, things don’t always go perfectly – and that’s okay. Condoms can slip, break and be put on the wrong way, or just not feel right the first time. The important thing to know is - you’re not alone and there’s support available.
If you are worried that your condom has failed, or if you have had sex without a condom, you may need emergency contraception (sometimes called the morning after pill), which you should get as soon as possible after sex.
Free Emergency Contraception
If you have had sex without using contraception, or you think your contraception failed, you can use emergency contraception. You should use it within five days, but as soon as possible for it to be most effective.
Most pharmacies can provide free emergency contraception; Click here for more information and to find your nearest pharmacy or call us on 0300 300 2016 and tell the clinician you need emergency contraception.
Free testing for STIs
If you have had unprotected sex, or you think your condom has failed, it’s important to get tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Many STIs never show any signs, so even if you aren’t seeing any common symptoms such as burning when you wee, you may still have an STI. The only way to know is to test, and you can do this by ordering a free kit online through your Personal Health Record online account or by attending one of our clinics.
Remember all sexual health care is free and confidential.
Click here to register for your secure online account and order a free STI test kit
Information on Contraception
Contraception is used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
Some of the things you might want to think about when choosing your contraception are:
How contraception will suit your lifestyle.
Whether you want to use the method every day, every time you have sex or less often.
Whether you want to become pregnant soon, many years away or not at all.
There are several different types of contraception that can prevent an unplanned pregnancy. The Contraception Choices website provides honest information to help weigh up the pros and cons.
