Condoms & lubricants fact sheet

Condoms and lubricants help to prevent HIV infection.

Find out how to use them consistently and correctly.

What is a condom?

A condom is a thin piece of material that fits over a man’s penis (male condom) or inside a woman’s vagina (female condom) during sex. When used correctly, condoms prevent HIV, as well as pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How do condoms work?

Sexual fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids and blood can transmit HIV and STIs. A condom forms a barrier between bodily fluids and entry points for HIV, such as:

vagina
anus
penis (urethra)
mouth (only if there are large open sores or bleeding gums).

When should I use a condom?

Using a condom stops HIV:

before any penetrative sexual activities
during vaginal, anal and oral sex
every time you have sex
on shared sex toys. Put a new condom on for each partner.

Condom types

There are two main types of condom.

The male condom is the most common type of condom. It fits around the penis.
The female condom is wider than the male condom, it fits inside the vagina or anus.

See our ‘How to use a female condom’ infographic for information about using a female condom.

A dental dam is a sheet of latex that can be used for protection during oral sex. Or, try a flavoured condom cut open!

Condom shapes and sizes

Male condoms come in various shapes and sizes ...

standard condoms have straight sides
fitted condoms are indented below the head of the penis
large condoms are longer and wider giving more room
some condoms are wider over the head of the penis
extra strong condoms are thicker - important for anal sex
textured condoms, with ribs or bumps, can increase sensation for both partners
coloured or flavoured condoms can make oral sex more enjoyable.

Using lubricants

Lubricant (or lube) is a water, silicone or oil-based substance. Never use oil-based lubricants (e.g. massage oils or Vaseline) with latex condoms – they can break. Many condoms are covered in some lubricant.

Use extra lubricant...

to make using condoms more comfortable and fun
to reduce the risk of a condom breaking, especially during anal sex
on the outside of male and female condoms1
inside and around the vagina or anus.

Stimulating (e.g. warms or tingles) and flavoured lubricants are available in some places.2

Condom and lubricant tips

You can get condoms and lubricant from...

your doctor or healthcare provider
a sexual health or government clinic
stores and pharmacies
online.

Some charities, healthcare clinics or gay bars provide free condoms.

If the condom breaks during sex...

withdraw the penis immediately and use a new condom
access emergency contraception if not using other contraceptive methods
both partners should be tested for HIV and STIs
access emergency HIV treatment if you are at risk of HIV infection.

Allergic to latex condoms..?

Not all condoms are made of latex. Polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms are also available.3

Condom effectiveness

Condoms are very effective at protecting against HIV, other STIs and pregnancy.4
Remember...

use a new condom every time you have sex
always use extra water-based lubricant during anal sex
use certified condoms E.g. FDA, CE, ISO, Kitemark
some STIs are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact - condoms cannot protect you from these.