Condoms

Latex and polyurethane condoms provide triple protection against the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as unintended pregnancy.

Condoms block transmission of HIV and STI by preventing contact between the condom wearer’s penis and a sex partner’s skin, mucosa, and genital secretions.

Yes, PrEP does NOT protect against other STIs besides HIV and having an STI can also increase your risk of HIV.

If used consistently and correctly condoms are highly effective and cost-effective.

Laboratory studies have proven that condoms are an effective barrier against even the smallest STI pathogens. Under conditions of perfect use, male condoms are up to 99.5% effective.[1]

Epidemiological studies show that consistent condom use is highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV.[2]

However, the “real world” effectiveness of condoms is lower due to user error and inconsistent use. 

External condoms: (male condoms or insertive condoms) are generally easy to access free of charge from health programmes or at low cost and without a prescription.

Internal condoms: (female condom or receptive condoms) are more expensive than male condoms and less accessible; however, they have the advantage of being initiated by the person having receptive sex. This type of condom collects ejaculated semen and protects a wider area of the body than external condoms.

When using condoms, lube makes it less likely that the condom will break, slip or fall off which increases your protection against STIs including HIV.

Unlike the vagina or penis, the anus often does not provide adequate natural lubrication during sex. Plenty of lubricant should always be used during anal sex. [5,6]

Use a water- or silicone-based lube, as other types may cause the condom to break down.

Most widely available personal lubricants are water based, and these are commonly used as additional lubricants with condoms. Examples include K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, ID Glide and many others.

How to use a condom

• check that the condom is not expired;
• carefully open the package without tearing it;
• pinch air out of the tip of the condom;
• unroll condom all the way down the penis;
• apply lubrication if needed;
• after sex but before pulling out, hold the condom at the base. Then pull out, while holding the condom in place; and
• carefully remove the condom and throw it in the trash.

Common mistakes

• early removal; 
• unrolling a condom before putting it on;
• no space at the tip;
• failing to remove air;
• inside-out condoms; and
• not withdrawing the penis while still erect.

Adapted from https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/external-condom-use.html