Regular health education campaigns regarding the importance of using condoms for safe sex, to protect against infection, have ensured continued popularity of this method. International Group plc. The company spent 2.2m on main media advertising in 1999, a fourfold increase compared to 1994. There are a few other brands in this sector of note, namely Mates and Condomania. The Jiffy brand has been phased out since 1998, after no buyer could be found for the brand when it was disposed of by former owners, Sime Derby.
Boots offer a range of own label condoms, as well as branded products.
While condoms can be purchased in retail outlets, it is still possible to obtain supplies free from family planning clinics and GP's as well. The products are generally perceived as messy and difficult to use. The product was launched in 1993, but has failed to make significant inroads into the barrier contraception sector and is therefore likely to remain a minority product. The product has suffered adverse publicity about the risks of PID and ectopic pregnancy and the fact that it can cause heavier, and more painful, periods. The more recently introduced IUS is smaller and also uses slow release progestogens in order to provide dual protection.