Free condoms
We can give you free condoms to help protect you against STIs
and unwanted pregnancy.
Male condoms fit over a man's erect penis and are usually made
of very thin latex.
If you use them correctly condoms are up to 98% effective in
preventing pregnancy. They're the only method of contraception that
protect against STIs.
What if I am under 16?
If you are under 16, a doctor or nurse can give you
contraception if they are confident that you understand the
decisions you're making. They will always encourage you to talk to
your parents or carers about your decision.
Sometimes, a doctor or nurse may decide that a young person
under 16 is not mature enough to make their own decisions about
their treatment without their parents' or carers' involvement. If
that's the case, they would encourage you to talk to your parent or
carer, but they would not tell anyone about what you have talked
about.
There are no laws to stop under 16s buying condoms or any laws
to stop shopkeepers selling them to under 16s.
C card
A C-card is a Condom Card, a free condom service available in
Essex to people under 20. Both young men and women can get a C-card
which is a small card that fits in your pocket, wallet or
purse.
Having a card means you can get free condoms at places that have
a poster or window sticker which shows they are part of the
scheme.
EYPDAS is part of the scheme so you can get a card if you come
and see us and after you have been assessed the first time,
you can get free condoms too.
Sexual health testing