Is using a condom effective?

Is using a condom effective?

If used properly, a condom is very effective at reducing the risk of HIV infection during sexual intercourse. Using a condom also provides protection against other sexually transmitted diseases, and protection against pregnancy. In the laboratory, latex condoms are very effective at blocking transmission of HIV because the pores in latex condoms are too small to allow the virus to pass through. However, outside of the laboratory condoms are less effective because people do not always use condoms properly. To find out more about the effectiveness of condoms, visit our other condoms page.

What are the other reasons to use a condom?

As well as preventing pregnancy and helping to stop the transmission of STDs, condoms also:

• Have none of the medical side-effects that some other birth control methods may have.
• Are available in various shapes, colours, flavours, textures and sizes. These can all increase the fun of having sex with condoms.
• Are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores. You don't need to visit a doctor or have a prescription.
• Make sex less messy.
• Are user friendly. With a little practice, they can also add confidence to the enjoyment of sex.