If you already have a C.Card, you can go to any C.Card point and pick up free condoms. You can do this 10 times before you need a new card.
Using a condom when you have sex is the most effective way to reduce your risk of picking up or passing on an STI, including HIV. A condom is the only method that protects against STIs as well as pregnancy.
An external condom fits over an erect penis and is made of very thin latex (rubber), polyurethane (plastic).
You can pop into any of the sexual health clinics and ask for condoms.
Click on Locate A Service to find your nearest Sexual health clinic.
If you are 13-19 you can get free condoms through the C. This is available at Sexual Health clinic, Youth projects, School Drop-Ins, Pharmacies and GP surgeries.
When you register for a C.Card you will have a confidential appointment with a trained C.Card worker, who will:
If you already have a C.Card, you can go to any C.Card point and pick up free condoms. You can do this 10 times before you need a new card.
If you are 13-19 you can get free condoms through the C. This is available at Sexual Health clinic, Youth projects, School Drop-Ins, Pharmacies and GP surgeries.
When you register for a C.Card you will have a confidential appointment with a trained C.Card worker, who will:
If you already have a C.Card, you can go to any C.Card point and pick up free condoms. You can do this 10 times before you need a new card.
If you follow the instructions, use it properly and use a new one every time you have sex, condoms are 98% effective in preventing a pregnancy.
Condoms rely on the user, so might not work well if either of you have had too much to drink, have taken drugs or are not sure how to use them properly.
The difference between an external and internal condom is that the internal condom is inserted into the vagina or anus before sex. They are 95% effective, if used correctly.
Internal condoms (or Femidom) are used less commonly that external condoms, and therefore are less widely available.
They are available for pick-up at our Unity@Central clinic.
Click on Locate A Service to find your nearest Sexual health clinic.
Using the internal condom for anal sex
A dental dam is a soft plastic latex or polyurethane square (about 15cm in size), which is used to cover the genital area or anus during oral sex. The dam acts as a barrier to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are not widely available but please feel free to ask staff at Unity about how to get them.
Further information about dental dams can be found here.