They’re cheap, easy to use, and can help make sex safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about condoms—from how to use them to what to do if one breaks.
A condom is a very thin piece of latex (rubber) or plastic that’s worn during sex to help prevent sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy.
Condoms work by creating a barrier that stops semen, vaginal fluids and blood from being shared during sex. They’re the only type of contraception that protects against both STIs (including HIV) and pregnancy.
Condoms can be used during vaginal, anal and oral sex and are safe, easy to get and are very effective when used correctly.
Condoms are one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your partner during sex. Here’s why you should condoms:
Used the right way, condoms are a great way to prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancy (if you’re having sex that can result in pregnancy).
Condoms are the best way to prevent STIs when used consistently and correctly, no matter what kind of sex you’re having.
If you’re having penis-in-vagina sex, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly, and around 88% effective with typical use (due to things like incorrect use or breakage).
If you’re worried about getting pregnant, it’s a good idea to use condoms alongside another form of contraception, like the pill, an implant or an IUD. This gives you extra protection against pregnancy while still helping to protect against STIs.
Did you know that there is more than one kind of condom? No matter what kind of sex you’re having, there’s a condom for you!
External condoms are what most people think about when they hear the word condom. They are made of a thin piece of latex (rubber) or polyurethane (soft plastic) and can be put onto an erect (hard) penis before oral, vaginal or oral sex. There’s a variety of sizes, colours, flavours and textures, so be sure to try a few different options to find one that works for you.
External condoms need to be put on before the penis touches the vagina, mouth or anus. That’s because pre-cum (the fluid released when a penis is hard) can contain sperm and can also transmit STIs. Wearing a condom from the start of sex (not just before ejaculation) is key to making sure it works properly.
Don’t forget to use condoms on sex toys if you’re sharing them with a partner. Make sure you put a new condom on the toy each time you swap.
Internal condoms (sometimes used to be called female condoms) are soft, flexible plastic pouches that can be inserted into the vagina or anus before sex. Internal condoms are about 15cm long and have two soft rings:
Internal condoms act as a barrier to help prevent STIs and like external condoms, they also can prevent pregnancy if you’re having penis-in-vagina sex. To be effective, internal condoms must be inserted before any genital contact occurs—this includes before the penis touches the vagina or anus. They can be a bit trickier to insert than external condoms, so it’s a good idea to practise before using one during sex.
Internal condoms can be hard to find, so if you want to give them a go, your best bet is to buy some online.
Dental dams are thin, stretchy latex or silicone rectangles that can be used during oral sex (usually over the anus or vulva) to prevent STIs. In Australia, dams can be expensive and hard to find, but you can always turn an external condom into a dental dam with a little DIY.
Using condoms correctly is so important. Here’s a step-by-step guide that shows you how to use external condoms:
If you’re swapping between vaginal, anal and oral sex, make sure to use a new condom for each type of sex, even if it’s with the same partner.
You can use water-based lube with condoms to reduce friction during sex, which helps prevent the condom from breaking. Lube can also make sex feel more comfortable and pleasurable for everyone.
Never reuse a condom. Condoms should only ever be used once and then thrown away. You cannot wash a condom and reuse it. Every time you have sex you should use a new condom.
Condoms are easy to find, pretty cheap, and available in lots of places, so there’s no reason not to carry a few with you.
You can buy condoms at:
Most supermarkets and pharmacies stock both latex and non-latex external condoms. If you’re after different options (types, size, features, etc.) try buying them online. You can also buy water-based lubricants anywhere condoms are sold.
If you are worried about the cost, you can often get condoms for free through family planning services, Aboriginal medical services, sexual health clinics and some GPs. It never hurts to ask!
If you’re under 30, you can also get free condoms through the Family Planning NSW Freedom Condom project or through some youth services.
There is no age restriction on buying condoms in NSW.
You’re not the only one. Lots of people feel awkward buying condoms, especially the first time.
You might find yourself looking around the store, hoping no one’s watching. You might wonder if the cashier is judging you. But the truth is that people buy condoms every day. People have sex every day. It is 100% normal.
If you’re feeling shy, try buying from somewhere with a self-serve checkout, or just order them online and have them delivered to your door.
There are heaps of condom options out there, different sizes, textures, brands, colours, flavours, lubricated, non-lubricated, latex and non-latex. With so much choice, there’s definitely a condom that will work for you.
When it comes to size, condoms should fit snugly but comfortably on the penis. If you’re not sure what size to get, start with regular. Many brands also sell variety packs so you can try different sizes and styles to see what feels best.
Different brands can also feel slightly different, so don’t be afraid to try a few until you find your favourite.
You might feel a bit nervous asking someone to use a condom but there’s no need to be. Using condoms is normal.
It’s always best to talk about condoms and STI testing before things get too hot and heavy, but we know that isn’t always possible. It could be as simple as saying “we should get a condom” before having sex.
Remember, STIs often don’t have symptoms, so using condoms is the best way to protect yourself and your partner during sex.
If you’re in a relationship and looking to stop using condoms, that is your choice, but make sure you both get tested for STIs first. Many STIs have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know for sure.
If you’re having sex that could lead to pregnancy, start another form of contraception (like the pill, implant or IUD) before stopping condoms to avoid unplanned pregnancy.
Most people can use condoms without any issues, but a smaller number of people may be allergic to latex or other ingredients in some lubricants.
Reactions can affect either the person wearing the condom or their partner/s. Some signs that you may have an allergy include:
If this sounds familiar, try switching to a non-latex condom or try a lubricant designed for sensitive skin. If the problem continues, speak to a doctor or nurse so they can help.
If you’ve had a condom break during sex, don’t panic and follow these simple steps.
If your STI test comes back positive, your doctor or nurse will let you know what you need to do next. Remember that all STIs can be fully treated or managed.
Yes! Even if you always use condoms, regular STI testing is still important. Condoms are 98% effective when used correctly, but there’s still a small chance of getting an STI.
Many STIs have no symptoms, so you might not even know you have one. That’s why it’s a good idea to get tested every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if you change partners or notice any symptoms.
STI testing is quick, easy and confidential. Find your nearest STI testing location.
Still have questions? Chat anonymously with a sexual health nurse via live chat (look for the icon in the bottom right corner) or call 1800 451 624. No judgment, just support.
