Condoms prevent the exchange of body fluids and reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). Using a condom or oral dam (dental dam) during vaginal, anal, or oral sex can prevent most STBBIs. Condoms are available at local pharmacies, grocery stores, or convenience stores without a prescription.
Using condoms is a good way to show trust, respect, and confidence between you and your partner(s).
Types of Condoms:
External condom (click to expand) »
External condoms are worn over the penis or sex toy during vaginal, anal, or oral sex and are available in a variety of sizes, textures, and colors/flavours.
There are three types of external condoms:
Latex
Synthetic
Natural
Natural condoms do not protect against STBBIs. Use a latex or synthetic condom to reduce the risk of an STBBI.
How effective are external condoms?
With perfect use, they are 98% effective. Perfect use means using an external condom correctly each time during sexual activity.
Because people aren’t perfect, external condoms can have issues such as breakage or slipping, they are actually 87% effective.
That means 13 out of 100 people who use external condoms get pregnant each year.
For external condoms to be most effective, it is important to use them correctly every time you have vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
For a more effective option, consider an IUD or implant along with an external condom
Oral (dental) dams provide a barrier between the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus during oral sex. If an oral dam is unavailable, they can easily be made from a condom by rolling it out, cutting off the top and the ring, and then cutting along the length to form a rectangle. Use a water-based lubricant on the genital area to help keep the oral (dental) dam in place.
How effective are oral (dental) dams?
There is limited information on the effectiveness of oral (dental) dams, but they do reduce the risk of spreading STBBIs during oral sex.
All condoms should be applied before any skin-to-skin genital contact.
What if I am allergic or sensitive to latex?
Non-latex condoms and oral dams (dental dams) are available and equally effective in preventing pregnancy and STBBIs.
What is dual protection?
Dual protection is combining condoms with another form of birth control to prevent an unintended pregnancy.
Things to consider:
Keep condoms and/or oral (dental) dams in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Never fold a condom or store in an area that could cause rubbing.
Have more than one condom and/or oral (dental) dam on hand in case one is damaged or expired.
Check the expiry date and inspect the package for any damage before use.
Open the condom and/or oral (dental) dam package carefully; avoid using teeth, scissors, fingernails, or anything sharp.
Never use two condoms at the same time. It can increase the risk of tearing the condom.
Use a water-based lubricant with latex condoms and/or oral (dental) dams; oil-based products like Vaseline can damage latex condoms and/or oral (dental) dams.
Use a new condom and/or oral (dental) dam each time you have sex.
