According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), male latex condoms are highly effective when used consistently and correctly, in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and many other STDs. Condoms are also the only method of protection that prevent both pregnancy and disease.
Check the label of the condom before using and don’t use it if it is past the labeled expiration date or if it is over five years past the manufacture date. Also, if the condom is ripped or looks dry, brittle, stiff, or sticky, it also shouldn’t be used. Keeping a few spares on hand is a good idea in case one rips while being opened or put on.
Condoms should be kept in a cool, dry place to prevent breakage or leakage. Don’t store condoms in a location that can get very hot, like in your car. If you keep a condom in your wallet or purse, replace it with a new one on a regular basis.
Condoms come in lots of colors, textures, lengths, widths, and thicknesses. The most important thing when choosing a brand is that the condoms be made of latex or polyurethane (plastic). Both of these are effective in preventing STDs, HIV and pregnancy.
Avoid using animal skin (or “natural”) condoms, which prevent pregnancy but aren’t as effective in preventing all STDs, including HIV. Also, while male condoms are more popular, female condoms, which are inserted into the vagina, are also an option.
Oil-based lubricants (for example petroleum jellies, body lotions, mineral or vegetable oils) should not be used with latex condoms because they can cause the latex to break down, reduce or eliminate the condom’s effectiveness.
Using a pre-lubricated condom, or applying a small amount of water-based lubricant inside and outside the condom can help prevent rips.
Oil-based lubricants (for example petroleum jellies, body lotions, mineral or vegetable oils) should not be used with latex condoms because they can cause the latex to break down, reduce or eliminate the condom’s effectiveness.
The condom should be put on before any genital (skin-to-skin) contact. Some STDs can be transmitted without intercourse, through genital contact. Also, pre-cum can contain semen and STDs (including HIV), so you need to wear a condom the whole time from beginning to end, each and every time.
The most common mistake is not using condoms from start (of sexual contact) to finish (after ejaculation). Immediately after ejaculation, hold the base of the condom (so it stays in place and semen cannot spill out), and slowly withdraw the penis – while it is still hard.
The condom should be wrapped in tissue and thrown away in the garbage (not in the toilet as it may clog).
There are several ways to reduce risk of getting or passing HIV. These include:
Condoms: Use condoms. When used consistently and correctly, condoms are highly effective in protecting against HIV, as well as many other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Female condoms are another highly-effective tool specially designed for women to prevent HIV and many other STDs. Like male condoms, female condoms are a barrier method of protection. Female condoms are inserted into the vagina. Some women like female condoms because it puts them more in control over condom use.
PrEP: For added protection, talk with your health care provider about whether pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is an option for you. PrEP is a once-daily pill, available by prescription, for people who do not have HIV that can reduce the risk of getting HIV by more than 90 percent.
Treatment as prevention: If you have HIV, establish a treatment plan. Not only can you improve your health with antiretroviral (ARV) treatment but you can also significantly reduce – by as much as 96 percent – the chances of passing the virus on to others.
Clean injection equipment: Never share needles, syringes or other drug preparation equipment. You can get clean needles from pharmacies or needle-exchange programs. Only use syringes that come from a reliable source. If you need help with addiction, find drug treatment programs near you using the HIV.gov locator.
PrEP, short for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a once-daily pill, available by prescription for people who do not have HIV. PrEP has been found to be very effective at reducing risk of getting HIV. As of the writing of this information, the FDA has only approved one drug for use as PrEP, which is sold under the brand name Truvada.
PrEP, short for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a once-daily pill, available by prescription for people who do not have HIV. PrEP has been found to be very effective at reducing risk of getting HIV. As of the writing of this information, the FDA has only approved one drug for use as PrEP, which is sold under the brand name Truvada.
