For some people, though, the embarrassment and anxiety they feel around using condoms can translate into performance issues. In the eight years since Josh* lost his virginity, the 26-year-old has used a condom just once. His dislike of using them came about after he tried using one with his first girlfriend, who was on the pill, a few months into their relationship. “We tried to use one but then I couldn’t get a proper erection - I think it was mostly because of nerves,” he recalls. “So that wasn't successful and then, for the next year or so - until we ended our relationship - we never used one.” He admits now that this was partly due to his worries about his performance.