Condoms and safer sex

Condoms are the foundation of safer sex. Get to know the types, how to use them correctly, choosing lubricant, and using them with other prevention.

What condoms are

A condom is a barrier method that helps prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy. It is an essential foundation of safer sex.

How it works

A condom acts as a barrier that stops fluids — such as semen, lubricating fluid, or blood — from coming into direct contact, lowering the chance of passing on an infection between partners.

An advantage nothing else replaces

Condoms are the only method that prevents HIV, other STIs, and pregnancy all at once. They are easy to find, inexpensive, and can be used right away with no prescription. See the full prevention overview at HIV prevention: all your options.

What condoms protect against

Condoms offer broader protection than many people realise.

They protect against several things

• HIV — when used correctly and consistently, they are highly effective at preventing sexual HIV transmission
• other STIs — such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis
• unplanned pregnancy

Why this matters

Because other HIV prevention methods such as PrEP or PEP only cover HIV, condoms fill the gap for other infections, making them an important part of well-rounded sexual-health care.

Double protection

Using a condom is like getting double protection at once — against infection and against pregnancy — which is why many people still choose it even when other HIV prevention exists.

The types of condom

There are two main types of condom to choose from.

The two main types

• External condoms are worn on the penis and are the most common type
• Internal condoms are inserted into the vagina or anus

Choose what suits you

Both types are effective at protecting when used correctly, and the choice comes down to convenience and personal preference. Some couples try both to see which is most comfortable.

External condoms

External condoms are the most widely used and easy to buy.

The materials

Most are made of latex, but there are versions made of other materials for people with a latex allergy, such as polyurethane or polyisoprene.

The strengths

• widely available and inexpensive
• come in many sizes, textures, and styles
• easy to use when you follow the correct steps

Choosing a size that fits is important, because a condom that is too loose or too tight can slip off or tear.

Finding the right fit

Condoms come in several sizes, and trying a few to find your fit makes them more comfortable and safer. A condom that fits does not feel too tight or too loose and gives confidence during use.

Internal condoms

Internal condoms, also called insertive condoms, are another option that protects well.

How they work

This type is inserted into the vagina or anus before sex and blocks fluids in the same way as an external condom.

The strengths

• the receptive partner can control the protection
• it can be inserted ahead of time before sex
• it suits people with a latex allergy, as it is often made of other materials

Although less common than external condoms, it is a good option for people who want to control the protection themselves.

How to use a condom correctly

Using a condom correctly is the key to its effectiveness. Follow these steps.

Steps for an external condom

• check the pack and expiry date before every use
• open the pack carefully — do not use nails or teeth
• squeeze the tip to remove air, then put it on before any contact, while erect
• roll it all the way down and use lubricant with it
• hold the base as you withdraw so it does not slip off or leak
• use a new one every time and for each activity

Important

Use a new condom every time you have sex, and change to a new one if you move from one activity to another. Doing the steps correctly greatly reduces the chance of tearing or slipping.

Practice makes it easy

If it is unfamiliar, practising putting a condom on beforehand helps you use it smoothly and with confidence in the moment. Familiarity makes condom use feel natural and not interrupt intimacy.

Lubricant

Lubricant helps a condom work better and reduces the chance of tearing, but you must choose the right kind.

Choose the right type

• use water-based or silicone-based lube, which is safe with latex condoms
• avoid oil-based products such as petroleum jelly, lotion, or massage oil, because they weaken latex and make it tear easily

Why it matters

Enough lubrication reduces the friction that tears condoms, especially during anal sex, which needs extra lube. Choosing the right type is important for safety.

Lube adds to the experience

Beyond reducing tears, lubricant also makes sex feel better. Choosing a suitable type and using enough is good for both safety and pleasure.

Common mistakes

Although condoms are easy to use, there are common mistakes that reduce their effectiveness.

Mistakes to avoid

• putting it on too late or taking it off too early — put it on before contact and take it off after
• not squeezing air from the tip, which creates a bubble that tears easily
• using two condoms at once, which increases friction and makes tearing more likely — it is not safer
• using oil-based lube with latex condoms
• storing them somewhere hot, such as a wallet for a long time, which degrades them

Doing it right works better

Avoiding these mistakes helps condoms protect at full effectiveness.

Condoms with PrEP: using them together

Condoms and PrEP are not an either-or choice — they work well together.

Why use them together

PrEP only prevents HIV, while condoms prevent HIV, other STIs, and pregnancy. Using both gives the most complete protection.

Combination prevention

Many people on PrEP still use condoms to protect against other infections. This is the heart of combination prevention, tailored to each person's risk. Read about PrEP at what is PrEP.

Safer sex beyond condoms

Safer sex is about more than condoms — it also includes looking after your sexual health overall.

Other things that help

• dental dams for oral sex
• regular HIV and STI testing for you and your partner
• talking openly with your partner about status and protection

See the whole picture

Safer sex is a mix of methods together — condoms, testing, communication, and other prevention such as PrEP where it fits. See testing options at HIV testing: the complete guide.

Getting and storing condoms

Getting and storing condoms correctly keeps them ready to use and effective.

Where to get them

Condoms are available from convenience stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and many community organisations that may give them out free, so they are easy for everyone to access.

Storing them

• keep them somewhere dry and cool, away from heat and sunlight
• do not keep them in a wallet or car for a long time
• always check the expiry date before use

Keeping condoms ready means you never have to take a risk because there is none to hand at an important moment.

Carrying them sensibly

If you carry condoms with you, keep them somewhere that is not hot and not squashed, such as a small case or bag, rather than a wallet for a long time, so they stay in good condition when needed.

In summary

Condoms are an essential foundation of safer sex, because they are the only method that prevents HIV, other STIs, and pregnancy all at once. They come as external and internal types and can be used right away with no prescription.

The key is using them correctly every time, choosing water-based or silicone-based lube, and avoiding the common mistakes. Condoms also work well with PrEP for the most complete protection.

If you want to test for HIV, talk about prevention, or start PrEP, find and book a clinic at Love2Test.