Condoms

The condom (also called French letter, sheath) is probably second to the Pill as the most commonly used contraceptive in New Zealand. Condoms are made of thin rubber latex. They cover the penis to stop sperm entering the vagina. They are meant to be used only once.

All except two of the condoms available in New Zealand have been tested by the Consumer Council and have passed. Silvertex Regular and SilvertexChiffon have not been tested, though they carry the British Standards mark of approval. Those that passed the tests were:— Durex Fetherlite, Durex Gossamer, Durex Nuform, Durex protectives.

Condoms do occasionally leak or burst and it is therefore safer to use them with a spermicide.