Getting advice

Got a question?

Please send in your question to ccard@lpct.scot.nhs.uk and we'll get back to you soon with an answer.

Here are some FAQs which may help with any problems you are having with condoms. You can also talk to your c:card worker for help.

I have heard people talking about sexually transmitted infections - what are they?: Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are infections which can be passes on during sex.; You can prevent passing on most of these infections if you use a condom.; STIs include chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, herpes and warts.; Viruses like HIV and Hepatitis B and C can also be transmitted by unprotected sex.; If you are concerned about this you can go for a check up and treatment at the Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic at Lauriston Place in Edinburgh or at Howden Health Centre in West Lothian.; If you are a man who has sex with men you can drop in to the clinic run by ROAM at the Spittal Street Centre on Monday nights from 5-7pm.; STIs can turn into serious health problems for you and your partner if you don't get treatment.
When I had sex the condom burst and I'm worried I might be pregnant - what should I do?: Here's what to do - try not to worry too much but it's important to get some advice from a doctor.; Go as soon as possible to your own doctor, a sexual health service like Caledonia Youth or MYPAS, family planning clinic like Dean Terrace or Edinburgh Royal Infirmary if it's the weekend.; All these services are free and confidential.; Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy if you take it within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex.; The sooner you take it, the better it works - that's why it's important to act quickly.; You may also be able to get emergency contraception from your pharmacy and some offer this free to people under 25 years.
Which condoms can I use for anal sex?: All condoms in the c:card range are suitable for anal sex.; It used to be the only extra strong condoms were recommended for anal sex but advice has recently changed.; The main thing is to make sure you use a good amount of lube as the anus has no natural lubrication.; Lube helps to reduce friction which is a major reason for condoms bursting and it makes sex feel more comfortable.; Check out the c:card condom and lube range and find a condom which fits you best.
My friend says that extra strong condoms are safer - is this true?: All c:card condoms have been tested to ensure they are a very high quality.; c:card condoms carry a kitemark which means they are all good quality.; Extra strong condoms are made of slightly thicker latex so you may feel that they are safer than normal thickness condoms.; It might be that if you feel more comfortable and confident using an extra strong condom then you are more likely to have safer sex.; The way condoms are used affects their safety so check out how to put a condom on.

Next step >
Where can I get more information?