What are condoms?

Condoms can be used to prevent pregnancy. They also help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Condoms are called a barrier method of birth control. That's because they keep the sperm and eggs apart.

You must use a new condom each time you have sex.

External condoms are made of latex (rubber), polyurethane, or sheep intestine. They are placed over a hard (erect) penis before sex. External condoms are also called "male condoms," "rubbers," "sheaths," or "skins."

There are many different kinds of external condoms. Some condoms are lubricated. Some are ribbed. Most have a tip for holding the semen. You can also buy condoms of different sizes. Watch the video Using A Condom to learn how to put on a condom correctly.

Internal (vaginal) condoms are tubes of soft plastic with a closed end. Each end has a ring or rim. The ring at the closed end is put deep into the vagina over the cervix. This holds the tube in place. The ring at the open end stays outside the opening of the vagina. Internal condoms have lubricant on the inside. Watch the video Using An Internal Condom to learn how to put in a condom correctly.

How well do they work?

In the first year of use:

• When external condoms are used exactly as directed, 2 people out of 100 have an unplanned pregnancy. When they are not used exactly as directed, 18 people out of 100 have an unplanned pregnancy. External condoms work best when you use another type of birth control, such as a diaphragm with spermicide or an IUD, along with them.
• When internal (vaginal) condoms are used exactly as directed, 5 people out of 100 have an unplanned pregnancy. When they are not used exactly as directed, 21 people out of 100 have an unplanned pregnancy.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any health problems you have or medicines you take. They can help you choose the birth control method that is right for you.

What are the advantages of condoms?

• Condoms are free at sexual health clinics. You can buy them without a prescription in drugstores, online, and in some grocery and convenience stores.
• Internal (vaginal) condoms and latex and plastic external condoms help protect against STIs, such as herpes or HIV. Sheep intestine condoms don't protect against STIs.
• Condoms don't use hormones. So you can use condoms if you don't want to take hormones or can't take hormones because you have certain health problems or concerns.
• Latex condoms may provide better protection than non-latex condoms (like polyurethane) because there’s a higher chance of non-latex condoms breaking or slipping off. However, non-latex condoms are still a good option if you have a latex allergy.
• Condoms are safe to use while breastfeeding.
• They cost less than hormonal types of birth control.
• Internal (vaginal) condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours ahead of time. You don't have to interrupt sex.

What are the disadvantages of condoms?

• Condoms don't prevent pregnancy as well as IUDs or hormonal forms of birth control.
• Condoms prevent pregnancy only if you use them every time you have vaginal sex.
• Condoms may break or leak.
• You may have to interrupt sex to put on or insert the condom.
• You must remove the condom right after sex.
• You may have less sexual sensation when using a condom.

If you think you used a condom incorrectly, you can use emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy. The most effective emergency contraception is prescribed by a doctor. This includes the copper IUD (inserted by a doctor) or a prescription pill. You can also get emergency contraceptive pills without a prescription at most drugstores and sexual health clinics.