Expiration and effectivenessCondoms do expire and using one that’s past its expiry date can greatly reduce condom effectiveness.Expired condoms are often drier and weaker, so they’re more likely to break during intercourse. This puts you and your partner at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unwanted pregnancy.Male condoms that haven’t expired are about 98 percent effective if you use them perfectly every time you have sex. No one is perfect, though, so male condoms that haven’t expired are actually about 85 percent effective. These figures will drop drastically if the condom’s expired.The average shelf life of a condom is three to five years, depending on the manufacturer and how it’s stored. Read on to learn more about why they...
What is a female condom? The female condom is a pouch made of polyurethane or latex that fits inside the vagina. It is a barrier method of birth control. How does it work? The female condom has a flexible ring at the closed end of the pouch, with a slightly larger ring at the open end. The smaller ring at the closed end keeps the female condom in place, whereas the larger ring rests outside the vagina. The female condom keeps the vagina and cervix from coming in contact with the skin of the penis or with secretions from the penis. How effective is a female condom? The typical use of female condoms, which is the average way most people use them, has a failure rate...
Do I need to use a condom for oral or anal sex? Yes, if you want to be protected against STIs. Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, syphilis, herpes, gonorrhoea, HPV, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia, can all be passed on during oral sex (10). This is why it's recommended to protect yourself and your partner by using condoms (or dental dams) during oral sexual activity. Flavored condoms are available for those who don’t enjoy the taste of latex. Meanwhile, a US study found that when condoms were used for anal sex with an HIV-positive partner, they were 70% effective in preventing transmission of the virus (11). Using a personal lubricant can also make anal sex safer. Using a silicone or water-based lubricant decreases the chances...
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that infects cells in the immune system. If it’s not treated with antiretroviral drugs, the immune system can become severely weakened. An important way that HIV is transmitted is through sex, particularly during vaginal or anal sex. Anal sex has a higher risk of transmitting the virus due to the rectum’s thin lining, which can tear easily during sex. One of the ways to help prevent HIV transmission during sex is to use a condom. When used consistently and effectively, condoms can provide an effective defense against the virus. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of condoms and how to use them to prevent contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Do condoms...
Condoms are the only type of contraception that can both prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are 2 types of condoms: external condoms, worn on the penis – sometimes called male condoms female condoms, worn inside the vagina – sometimes called female condoms This page is about external condoms, and explains how they work and where you can get them. Condoms are made from very thin latex (rubber), polyisoprene or polyurethane and are designed to stop your semen from coming into contact with your sexual partner. At a glance: condoms When used correctly every time you have sex, male condoms are 98% effective. This means 2 out of 100 people will become pregnant in 1 year when male condoms are used as...
