Welcome to British Condoms UK: Your Trusted Source for Condoms and Lubricants

Founded in 1999, British Condoms has been at the forefront of online condom retail, established during the early days of the internet. With over 20 years of providing a 5-star service, we’ve grown to become the largest online supplier of condoms in the UK. Offering an unparalleled range of condom styles, sizes, and brands, we stock leading names such as Durex, Skyn, Pasante, My Size, and many more.

But we’re more than just condoms! We also offer a wide variety of highly rated lubricants to complement our selection of condoms, ensuring you have everything you need for a safe and pleasurable experience.

Top Condom and Lube Brands in the UK

British Condoms offers a wide range of top-quality condoms and lubricants from renowned brands available in the UK market. Here's an overview of the current leading brands:

Condom Information, Guides & News From British Condoms

Condoms: A Vital Tool for Sexual Health

Condoms are a crucial barrier method of contraception that play a significant role in preventing both unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). As of 2025, their importance in global sexual health cannot be overstated. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that condoms have had a substantial impact on the global HIV epidemic, with model simulations estimating that increased condom use since 1990 has averted approximately 117 million new HIV infections.

When used correctly and consistently, condoms are highly effective. For women whose male partners use condoms properly during every sexual encounter over a year, 98% will be protected from unplanned pregnancy. This high efficacy extends to STI prevention as well, with condoms significantly reducing the risk of most STIs during vaginal, oral, and anal sex.

Condoms come in various types to suit different needs and preferences. External (male) condoms are the most common, typically made from thin rubber (latex). For those with latex allergies, alternatives such as polyurethane, polyisoprene, and nitrile condoms are available. Internal (female) condoms also exist, offering another option for protection.

The benefits of condoms extend beyond their primary functions. They are easy to obtain, inexpensive, and free from medical risks for most users. Condoms can be purchased without a prescription or ID, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals. Moreover, they can enhance sexual experiences by offering various textures and sensations, and some may even help delay ejaculation, prolonging sexual activity.

However, it's crucial to use condoms correctly to ensure their effectiveness. This includes checking the expiration date, carefully opening the packet, placing the condom on the erect penis before any genital contact, and properly removing and disposing of it after use. Using water-based or silicone-based lubricants can enhance comfort and reduce the risk of condom breakage, especially during anal sex.

Despite their benefits, condom use among certain populations remains a concern. A multi-party study in Europe found that almost a third of adolescents (30%) reported using neither a condom nor the contraceptive pill at last intercourse, a figure that has barely changed since 2018. This highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive sexual education and accessible sexual health services.

For those seeking additional protection, condoms can be used in conjunction with other contraceptive methods like the pill, shot, ring, IUD, and implant. However, it's important to note that using multiple condoms simultaneously is not recommended and can actually increase the risk of breakage.

As we move further into 2025, the role of condoms in sexual health remains paramount. They continue to be a simple, effective, and accessible method for preventing both unplanned pregnancies and STIs, empowering individuals to take control of their sexual health and well-being.

Analysing the use of Condom: 2024/2025 vs. 2014

Recent data highlights a significant decline in condom usage over the past decade, particularly among adolescents. In 2014, approximately 70% of sexually active adolescent boys reported using condoms during their last sexual encounter. By 2024, this figure had dropped to 61%. Similarly, condom usage among adolescent girls fell from 63% in 2014 to 57% in 2024. This decline is concerning given the rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.

Decline in Adolescent Condom Usage

Insights from taken from the condom usage statistics:

• The blue bar represents condom use among boys in 2014, while the green bar shows usage in 2024.
• A clear decline is evident, emphasising the need for improved sexual education and awareness campaigns.

Implications and Recommendations For the Decline In Condom Usage

The decline in condom use highlights several challenges:

• Lack of Education: Many adolescents lack comprehensive sexual education that emphasises the importance of condoms.
• Perceived Barriers: Adults and teens often cite reduced sensation and spontaneity as reasons for avoiding condoms.
• Rising STI Rates: The decrease in condom use coincides with an increase in STIs such as gonorrhoea and syphilis.

How Can We Address These Issues?

• Governments and health organisations should prioritise age-appropriate sexual education.
• Condom manufacturers can focus on developing ultra-thin products to address concerns about sensation.
• Public health campaigns should normalise condom use and highlight its dual role in preventing pregnancy and STIs.

By tackling these challenges, we can work towards reversing this trend and promoting safer sexual practices.

Lubricants: Enhancing Comfort and Safety in Sexual Activities

Lubricants, often referred to as 'lube', play a crucial role in sexual health and well-being. As of 2025, the importance of lubricants in enhancing sexual experiences and promoting safer sex practices has become increasingly recognised in the UK and globally.

Lubricants serve multiple purposes during sexual activities. Primarily, they reduce friction between surfaces in contact, which not only enhances comfort but also decreases the risk of tissue damage and irritation. This reduction in friction is particularly important during penetrative sex, whether vaginal or anal, as it can prevent micro-tears in the delicate tissues, thereby reducing the risk of STI transmission.

There are several types of lubricants available, each with its own characteristics and benefits:

Water-based lubricants:

• These are the most versatile and widely used. They're compatible with all types of condoms and sex toys, easy to clean, and closely mimic the body's natural lubrication. However, they may need to be reapplied more frequently as they can dry out during prolonged use.

Silicone-based lubricants:

These offer longer-lasting lubrication and are excellent for water play as they don't wash away easily. They're safe to use with latex condoms and are often preferred for anal sex due to their durability. However, they shouldn't be used with silicone sex toys as they can degrade the material.

Oil-based lubricants:

Providing extended lubrication but are not compatible with latex condoms as they can cause the latex to break down. They're often used for massage and can be a good option for those with sensitive skin, but they can be messy and difficult to clean up.

Hybrid lubricants:

Typically a mix of water-based and silicone-based ingredients, aim to combine the best properties of both types.

The use of lubricants can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing vaginal dryness, which can occur due to various factors including menopause, certain medications, or simply natural variations in the menstrual cycle. For these individuals, lubricants can significantly improve comfort during sexual activities and enhance overall sexual satisfaction.

In the context of safer sex practices, lubricants play a crucial role when used in conjunction with condoms. They help reduce the risk of condom breakage, especially during anal sex where natural lubrication is absent. However, it's important to use the right type of lubricant with condoms – water-based or silicone-based lubricants are safe, while oil-based lubricants can degrade latex condoms.

Recent research has also explored the potential of lubricants in STI prevention. Some lubricants are being developed with antimicrobial properties that may provide additional protection against certain STIs. While these are not a substitute for condoms or other proven prevention methods, they represent an exciting area of ongoing research in sexual health.

For couples trying to conceive, there are now specially formulated 'fertility-friendly' lubricants available. These lubricants are designed to mimic the properties of cervical mucus and are pH-balanced to support sperm motility.

As we progress through 2025, the lubricant market continues to evolve, with an increasing focus on natural and organic products. Many consumers are seeking lubricants free from parabens, glycerin, and other potential irritants. This trend aligns with a broader shift towards more body-conscious and environmentally friendly sexual health products.

In conclusion, lubricants are an essential component of sexual health and well-being. They enhance comfort, increase pleasure, and when used correctly with condoms, contribute to safer sex practices. As awareness of their benefits grows, lubricants are becoming an increasingly normalised and accepted part of sexual health discussions and practices in the UK and beyond.

A Brief History of Condoms

The history of condoms dates back thousands of years, with early civilisations using various materials to create protective barriers for sexual intercourse. Ancient Egyptians used condom-like devices made from animal intestines around 1000 BC, believing they could prevent disease transmission and unwanted pregnancies. Similar practices were observed in ancient Rome, where animal skin was used.

During the Middle Ages, condoms were crafted from linen or animal gut, though they were often reused and not very effective. The 16th century saw the development of more effective condoms made from animal intestines, but these remained expensive and not widely available.

The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in condom history. The introduction of rubber in the mid-19th century led to more affordable and widely available condoms. The first rubber condoms were produced in the 1830s, offering improved durability and effectiveness.

By the late 19th century, condoms had become the Western world's most popular birth control method. Major advances in manufacturing techniques occurred in the early 20th century. During World War I, most countries provided condoms to their soldiers to combat sexually transmitted infections.

The 1920s saw a boom in condom sales, with catchy names and slick packaging becoming important marketing techniques. Quality testing became more common, involving filling each condom with air to detect pressure loss.

Today, condoms remain a crucial tool for sexual health, preventing both unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Modern condoms come in various materials, sizes, and styles to suit different preferences and needs.

A Brief History of Lubes To Aid Intercourse

The history of sexual lubricants spans thousands of years, with various cultures developing innovative solutions to enhance intimate experiences.

Ancient Origins

As early as 350 BCE, ancient Greeks and Romans used olive oil as a sexual aid. This versatile oil was prized for its smooth texture and skin-nourishing properties. In ancient China and Japan, vegetable oils and a substance made from grated yams called tororo-jiru were popular choices.

Medieval and Renaissance Era

Herbal remedies like aloe vera and chamomile were combined with oils such as almond or coconut to create lubricating mixtures. These concoctions served both intimate and medicinal purposes.

Use of Lubes from 17th to 19th Centuries

The Edo period in Japan (1603-1868) saw the continued use of tororo-jiru and the introduction of clove oil as a lubricant. In the late 19th century, significant advancements occurred with the patenting of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) in 1872 by Robert Chesebrough.

Use of Lubes in The 20th Century

The modern era of commercial lubricants began in 1904 with the introduction of K-Y Jelly, initially marketed as a "surgical aid". It became available over the counter in 1980, marking a shift in public perception of personal lubricants.

Use of Lubes in The 21st Century

Today, the lubricant market offers a wide range of options, including water-based, silicone-based, and hybrid formulas. There's growing awareness of the role lubricants play in enhancing sexual pleasure and comfort, with products catering to various preferences and needs.