Lesson video

Hi, my name is Ms. Wittams-Howarth, and welcome to today's lesson on condoms. Some of today's lesson may be uncomfortable or disturbing, and you are required to have an adult with you.

If you feel uncomfortable or upset by anything you see in today's lesson, close the screen and talk to that trusted adult.

Let's get started.

The outcome of today's lesson is that I can explain the purpose of condoms and how they are used.

Before we get into the lesson properly, let's go through some ground rules.

Laura says, "Listen to others.

It is okay to disagree with each other, but we should listen properly before making assumptions or deciding how to respond.

When disagreeing, remember to challenge the statement, not the person." Andeep says, "Respect privacy.

We can discuss examples, but do not use names or descriptions that identify anyone, including ourselves." So a top tip would be to say, my friend, and then we don't know who you are talking about, we don't know if it is actually a friend or a family member or yourself or someone you've seen on a video or someone you've read about.

It keeps everybody nice and anonymous.

Izzy says, "You can choose your level of participation.

Everybody has the right to choose to not answer a question or join in discussion." No one is gonna be put on the spot, and that includes the adults with you too.

And then lastly, Jacob says that there is no judgement.

"We can explore beliefs and misunderstandings about a topic without the fear of being judged." And that also means you can ask any questions that you need to.

I'm really sure that if you have a question, there'll be other people who have exactly the same question as you, so feel free to ask it.

Let's go through some of the keywords in the lesson, you will find them highlighted in bold all the way through.

So firstly, we have condom, and that is a barrier form of contraception which also provides protection against sexually transmitted infections or STIs.

And then we have the word contraception.

That's methods used to prevent pregnancy and some reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Lastly, we have sexually transmitted infection.

Often you'll see it shortened to STI, and that's an infection transmitted through sexual contact affecting sexual and reproductive health.

Right.

Our lesson outline.

Our lesson has two parts today.

The first part is, what are condoms, and the second is, how are condoms used safely? So let's start with, what are condoms? Condoms are a type of barrier contraception.

They act as a physical barrier that prevents sperm from reaching an egg, making them an effective way to prevent pregnancy, and they're made of either latex or rubber.

Condoms also help protect against sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, by stopping the exchange of bodily fluids like semen, vaginal fluids, and blood.

Let's see how well you are listening.

True or false? Condoms are a type of hormonal contraception.

Have a little think.

We'll take feedback in a moment.

So if you said false, you'd be absolutely right.

Let's find out why.

Condoms are a type of barrier contraception, that means they physically stop the sperm and egg meeting.

Great work.

Well done, good listening.

So there are two main types of condom.

External condoms are worn on the penis, and then there are also internal condoms, and they are designed to be inserted into the body for protection during sex.

David says, "I've only ever heard of external condoms. Why are internal condoms less talked about?" It's a really good point, David.

Dr.

Elise says, "That's a great question, David.

Internal condoms are just as effective, but they are less well-known because they're not advertised as widely." You can still get hold of them, but fewer people know about them.

So, why might people choose to use condoms? Key benefits include condoms are highly effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly.

Condoms protect against STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.

Condoms are non-invasive and they are also easy to use.

And lastly, unlike other contraceptive methods, condoms don't have the hormonal side effects, and it makes them a good choice for many people.

Jack wants to know if condoms are expensive.

Nurse Daniel says, "Not at all, Jack.

Many clinics and sexual health services provide condoms for free.

Pharmacies and supermarkets also sell them at affordable prices." In lots of places around the country, there are youth clinics and often in those clinics there'll be bowls of condoms just left out for people to help themselves too.

Sophia wants to know whether she can get condoms without parents or carers knowing.

And Nurse Daniel says, "Yes, Sophia.

In the UK, you can get free condoms from sexual health clinics, and you don't need parents' permission." If you get them from the GP or the pharmacists, they won't tell parents or carers either.

True or false? Condoms are often freely available from sexual health clinics.

Have a little think.

We'll take feedback in a moment.

If you tick true, you'd be absolutely right.

Well done.

I've got a task for you to do now.

What I'd like you to do, first of all, is to sort the following statements about condoms into true or false.

There are four statements, here they are.

Condoms do not prevent STIs.

Condoms can only be worn by people with a penis.

A doctor will always inform your parents if you ask for condoms. And condoms are a barrier method of protection.

So firstly, sort those statements into true or false.

And then secondly, what you need to do is for the ones that you've chosen as false, you need to rewrite the statement so it's true.

What you might want to do now is pause the video, have a go at the task, and then we'll take feedback in a few minutes time.

Off you go.

So the first part of the task was to sort the following statements about condoms into true or false.

Your answers should look like this.

So, true were condoms can prevent STIs and condoms are barrier methods of protection.

Well done if you've got both of those right.

And then the statements that were false, a doctor will always inform your parents if you ask for condoms and condoms can only be worn by people with a penis.

So really well done if you've got all of those correct.

The second part of the task was to pick the statements that were false and rewrite it so that your answer was true.

Let's have a look at what you could have done.

So remember, these were the two false statements, the doctor will always inform your parents if you ask for condoms and condoms can only be worn by people with a penis.

So here we go.

To change the first statement, you could have said something like, a doctor will not inform your parents if you ask for condoms and you do not need parental permission for them.

So well done if you have changed it to be something like that.

And then external condoms are worn on the penis, internal condoms are inserted inside the body.

Therefore, condoms can be worn by everyone.

So well done if you've got something like that for your answers.

Let's move on to the second part of the lesson, how are condoms used safely? Using a condom correctly will help it to be more effective.

Nurse Daniel says, "Before using a condom, it is important to check the packet is intact, a damaged condom will not work effectively.

Also check the expiry date.

If a condom is past the expiry date, it will be less effective." Nurse Daniel also says, "Look for the kite mark or CE mark on a condom packet.

These marks show that the condom has been made to UK and European safety standards." So, what's the process for using a condom? Let's follow these steps.

Check the expiration date, for a CE or kite mark, and make sure the packet isn't damaged.

If the packet's damaged, it might suggest the condom inside is damaged and you don't wanna take that risk.

Next, open the packet carefully.

A really good idea is to squish the condom down in the packet so you've got a clear space to open it without messing up the condom.

Also, don't use scissors or teeth so you can avoid tearing the condom inside the packet.

When you've got the condom out of the packet, pinch the tip to leave space for semen and then roll it down onto the erect penis.

After the condom is finished with, hold the base of the condom while withdrawing to prevent it from slipping off.

Lastly, dispose of the condom properly, wrap it in tissue and throw it in the bin.

Never flush it down the toilet.

So Jack's got some questions.

He says, "I've seen condoms for sale in men's toilets.

Can I use them?" Nurse Daniel says, "I'm glad you asked that Jack.

Often vending machines are placed above radiators or heaters.

Heat degrades the condom and it's more likely to tear.

Avoid using condoms kept near heat sources." So Jack wonders whether he should always carry a condom, just in case.

Nurse Daniel says, "Have one with you if you want, but never keep it for ages in a pocket or somewhere close to your body.

Your body heat can degrade the material too." Jack says, "What happens if you put an external condom on the wrong way?" Great question, Jack.

If you realise it's on the wrong way, throw it away and use a new one.

Reversing it could transfer pre-ejaculate, which may contain sperm or STIs.

Jack also wants to know, should you use more than one external condom at once? It's a really good question, Jack.

No, you should never use more than one condom at once.

Using two can cause friction, making them more likely to break and be less effective.

You should also never use the same condom more than once, as that will make them less effective too.

So, which of the following is the correct way to use an external condom? A, put it on after any genital contact has occurred, B, check the expiry date and wear it before genital contact, or C, stretch it to make it thinner before using it? Have a little think.

We'll take feedback in a moment.

So if you picked B, you'd be right.

Well done, great listening.

So internal condoms, let's work out how to use those.

Here's how to use them safely.

Firstly, again, check the expiration date and look for that CE and kite mark, ensure the packaging isn't damaged.

Insert the condom carefully.

Squeeze the ring at the closed end and guide it into your body.

Then ensure the open end stays outside so it's easy to remove.

After use, twist the open end to seal the contents before removing it.

Again, dispose of it properly.

Wrap it and put it in the bin instead of flushing it down the toilet.

Sophia wants to know, do internal condoms feel uncomfortable? Dr.

Elsie says, "It might feel different at first, but most people find them comfortable once inserted correctly." Jack wants to know what else he should know about condoms. Nurse Danielle says, "Latex condoms cannot be used with oil-based lubricant, so for example, like a moisturiser or cooking oil or something like that.

People can use a silicone or water-based lubricant instead.

Or if they have an allergy to latex, they can use non-latex condoms. So there's lots of different options.

Let's do a check.

Which of the following is the correct way to use an internal condom? Pick one answer.

Is it A, insert it by squeezing the ring and guiding it into the body, B, remove it by pulling on the closed end without twisting the ring, or C, cut it open before inserting it for a better and more comfortable fit? Have a little think.

We'll take feedback in a moment.

So if you said A, insert it by squeezing the ring and guiding it into the body, you'd be absolutely right.

Really well done.

So, task B.

What I'd like you to do is put the following steps in the correct order for using an external condom.

So here are the statements that are all modelled up, you need to put them in the right order.

Pinch the tip and leave space for semen.

Check the expiration date to ensure the condom is safe to use.

Hold the base while withdrawing it to prevent spills.

Dispose of the condom in the bin, not the toilet.

Open the packet carefully to avoid tearing the condom.

And roll the condom onto the erect penis, ensuring it covers it fully.

So I suggest you pause the video, have a go at this task, and then we will take feedback shortly.

Okay.

So your order should look like this.

I asked you to put the following steps in the correct order for using an external condom.

So we should first have check the expiration date to ensure the condom is safe to use.

And then we should have open the packet carefully to avoid tearing the condom.

Then pinch the tip to leave space for semen.

Then roll the condom onto the erect penis, ensuring it covers it fully.

And then hold the base while withdrawing it to prevent spills.

And dispose of the condom in the bin, not the toilet.

Well done if you got that order correct.

Super job.

Now for the second part.

What I would like you to do here is put the following steps in the correct order for using an internal condom.

So we've got squeeze the inner ring at the closed end to prepare for insertion.

Check the expiration date to ensure it is safe to use.

After use, twist the outer ring to seal the contents and remove carefully.

Dispose of the condom in the bin, not the toilet.

And insert the condom, ensuring the outer ring stays outside the body.

So same as before, pause the screen and put those statements in the correct order.

We'll take feedback in a few moments time.

So your order should look like this.

Check the expiration date to ensure it's safe to use.

And then squeeze the inner ring at the closed end to prepare for insertion.

Then insert the condom, ensuring the outer ring stays outside the body.

Then after use, twist the outer ring to seal its contents and remove carefully.

And then dispose of the condom in the bin and not the toilet.

So great work if you got those things right.

On this last slide, we've got sources of support, we've got the NHS website and Childline.

So you can go there and have a look for anything further from today's lesson that you want support about.

Thank you for joining with me today, it's been great to have you.

Thank you for all of your hard work.

I look forward to seeing you again soon for another lesson.

Take care of yourselves.