What are spermicides?
Spermicides, are designed to kill any leaked sperm and so are really only needed for straight sex. Some condoms already have a spermicide on them. If you are allergic to the chemicals in the spermicide you should choose a type without spermicide. If you want you can also add extra spermicide creams, jellies or foams to the outside of the condom. Girls and women can also use spermicidal pessaries, which melt in the vagina.
Spermicides are not very effective at preventing pregnancy when they are used on their own. They are, however, useful for increasing the effectiveness of condoms, caps and diaphragms.
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What are lubricants?
Most condoms are already lubricated (to help get them on and off, and make them more comfortable to use), but some people find that using extra lubricant can improve sex and also help prevent the condom tearing. The lubricant that is already on a condom is a type of silicone, which is non-allergic. You can buy lubricant in tubes and tubs from chemists and supermarkets but it is very important to use only water-based lubricants (such as KY jelly™, Clinigel™, Sensilube™, Boots lubricating jelly or Lube™) on latex condoms. Never use oil-based lubricants on latex condoms (such as baby oil or Vaseline™) because they will damage the condom and make it useless and dangerous (you can catch infections and get pregnant). For anal sex, you will need to use lots of extra lubricant.
Remember too that all 'oily' lotions including massage oil and suncream/lotion can damage rubber. Do make sure you wash them off your hands and genitals before putting on the condom.
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