Contraception - male (external) condoms

What are condoms?

Condoms are an effective form of

contraception

. Their job is to act as a ‘barrier’ by stopping sperm and other body fluids (blood, semen or vaginal fluids) from entering the vagina, mouth or anus. They can prevent

pregnancy

and

sexually transmissible infections (STIs)

Other forms of barrier contraception include:

female (internal) condoms

diaphragm

What is a male (external) condom?

An male (external) condom is a thin strong latex (rubber) pouch that comes in different sizes, colours and styles.

Non-latex condoms made of polyurethane (plastic) and polyisoprene (synthetic rubber) are available for people with a latex allergy.

They are put on an erect penis or can be placed on vibrators and sex toys (such as dildos).

External condoms are available in small packets that conveniently fit in your wallet, pocket or bag. It’s a good idea to carry spare condoms with you in case you ever need them.

If you’re not confident using condoms, practise putting them on

before you have sex

How male (external) condoms work

Male (external) condoms act as a barrier against pregnancy and STIs.

Using condoms to prevent pregnancy

External condoms block ejaculate (cum) from entering the vagina to prevent pregnancy. They are up to 98% effective when fitted correctly and can be used with other forms of contraception including:

the pill

mini pill

intrauterine devices (IUD)

implants

injections

vaginal rings

If you are unsure which method of contraception and protection is best to talk to your GP (doctor) or nurse.

Using condoms to protect against STIs

External condoms are also used for

safer sex

because they block the exchange of body fluids during any form of sexual contact (including anal,

oral,

vaginal, some skin-to-skin contact and sharing of vibrators and sex toys).

Use a new condom each time you have any sexual contact and when switching between different types of sex (such as from anal to vaginal).

Remember that dental dams (although not a form of condom) can be used during

oral sex

to prevent STIs.

How effective are male (external) condoms?

External condoms are up to 98% effective in reducing the risk of

pregnancy

during vaginal sex. However, this figure declines if they are used incorrectly or the condom breaks or slips off during sex.

Condoms are also the most effective way to reduce your risk of contracting

sexually transmissible infections (STIs)

. If you are sexually active, make sure you have an STI test at least once a year and more regularly if you have multiple partners over a short period.

How to choose and store condoms

Condoms come in different sizes, so choose the right size for you. Always use condoms that meet Australian standards. If you are travelling overseas, check they meet international standards.

When properly stored, condoms have a lifespan of about 5 years. Always:

make sure the use-by-date on the packet is current

keep condoms in a cool, dry place as they can be damaged by heat. (Such as not keeping them in the car’s glove-box in warm weather for a long time)

buy non-latex condoms if you or your partner is

allergic to latex

Remember, there are some novelty condoms available that are not intended to prevent pregnancy or STIs, and therefore should not be used for penetrative sex. Always use reputable brands.

How to use a male (external) condom

Always check the use-by date first.

If you are unsure how to use condoms, follow the instructions on the packet.

To avoid pregnancy or STIs, put the condom on an erect penis or sex toy before it touches the vagina, mouth or anus.

How to use external (male) condoms:

Open the packet carefully – avoid tearing the condom with your jewellery, teeth or fingernails.

Check which way the condom unrolls, but do not unroll it.

If you don’t get the condom on properly the first time, throw it away and use a new condom.

Gently squeeze the top of the condom to remove air and unroll it as far as it will go down the erect penis or sex toy.

Water-based lubricant (lube) can be used. Lube is a jelly or liquid-like material to reduce friction and stop tears. It can also make sex more enjoyable.

Don’t apply lubricant (lube) inside the condom – it may cause slippage making the condom less effective.

How to dispose of condoms

After using a male (external) condom during sex:

Withdraw the penis after ejaculation (or sex toy) by gently holding the condom’s rim. Be careful not to spill any semen.

Tie the open end of the condom in a knot.

Do not flush the condom down the toilet, put it in the bin.

Resolving common problems with external (male) condoms

Possible problems may occur when using external condoms during sex. These may include:

The condom rolls up – check the condom and roll it back to the base of the penis. It may help to use water-based lubricant.

The condom slides off – pull out and use a new condom. Make sure you have the right size.

You

cannot get or hold an erection

– withdraw the penis, holding on to the condom. Condoms can only be used when the penis is erect. If you are ready to have sex again, start with a new condom.

Avoiding condom tears

Check that your preferred brand of lubricant is water or silicone-based, not oil-based.

Water and silicone-based lubricants can reduce friction and help to prevent condom breakage. Lube can also enhance your sexual pleasure.

Water and silicone-based lube should be used for all anal sex.

Avoid oil-based lubricants

Don’t use oil-based lubricants (such as baby oil, massage oil or petroleum jelly) – they can cause a condom to weaken and break.

If a condom breaks during sex, your partner could be at risk of pregnancy or contracting an STI.

Where to get male (external) condoms and lubricant

External (male) condoms and water-based lubricant (lube) are usually easy to get. They are available from:

supermarkets

pharmacies (chemists)

sexual health and family planning clinics

youth services

sex shops

vending machines

online.

Some services provide them free.

Advantages of male (external) condoms

Apart from being effective in preventing pregnancy, male (external) condoms:

protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs)

are easy to use

are readily available and come in different sizes and styles

have little or no side effects

are low in cost and can be bought without a prescription

make sexual contact enjoyable

can be used any time after giving birth.

How do condoms make having sex enjoyable?

Many people say that condoms improve their sexual pleasure because they:

reduce worries about the risk of pregnancy (condoms are up to 98% effective)

have fewer concerns about getting an STI

improve the quality and duration of an erection

can be used in foreplay and make the whole sexual experience last longer

make them feel respected by their partner/s.

Potential health risks from using male (external) condoms

There are no known serious health risks from using male (external) condoms.

Some people may experience irritation or a rash, especially if you have an

allergy to latex (rubber)

. If this is the case, use non-latex condoms instead and ask your GP or sexual health clinic for other options.

What to do if you have unsafe sex

If you have had

unprotected sex

or the condom breaks or slips:

Don’t douche (wash out the vagina or rectal areas with water or other fluids). It may irritate delicate tissues and increase the risk of infection.

You may need to take

emergency contraception (known as the ‘morning after pill’)

as soon as you can (up to 4 days is best, but it can occur no later than 5 days (120 hours).

Or have a

non-hormonal (copper) IUD

surgically inserted within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

See your GP or sexual health clinic and get tested for STIs. STI checks are recommended at least annually for anyone who is sexually active.

If you think you may have been exposed to

HIV,

see your GP or call the Victorian PEP information line on

1800 889 887

to assess whether you need

post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

– a course of antiviral medication used to prevent HIV. It must be taken within 72 hours (4 days).

Information in community languages

The male condom (bilingual)

(PDF)

External Link

by Family Planning NSW, available from

Health Translations

Contraception - male (external) condoms

Contraception - male (external) condoms

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