Contraception

Condom

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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

A condom is a thin sheath worn on the penis during sex that collects semen, helping prevent both pregnancy and many sexually transmitted infections.

At a glance

  • Condoms help prevent both pregnancy and many sexually transmitted infections.
  • They are usually made of latex, with polyurethane or polyisoprene options for latex allergy.
  • They are about 98% effective with perfect use and closer to 82% with typical use.
  • Using water- or silicone-based lubricant with latex condoms helps prevent breakage.
  • Two condoms should never be worn at once, and expiry dates are worth checking.

In detail

Condoms are usually made of latex, with polyurethane or polyisoprene options for people with a latex allergy. Used correctly every time they are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy; with typical use the figure is closer to 82%, often because they are put on late, slip or tear.

They are one of very few methods that also protect against infections such as HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which is why many people use them alongside another contraceptive. Checking the expiry date, using water- or silicone-based lubricant with latex and never using two at once all help them work well.

Condoms are widely available, often free from sexual health services, and need no prescription.

In a sentence

  • The sexual health clinic hands out free condoms at reception.
  • We still use a condom as well as the pill, just to be safe from infections.

Where the word comes from

The origin of the word "condom" is uncertain. It appears in English in the early 18th century, and popular stories about a "Dr Condom" are not supported by evidence.

Not to be confused with

  • Internal condom

    An internal condom is worn inside the vagina or anus rather than on the penis.

Common questions

Do condoms protect against all STIs?

Condoms reduce the risk of many infections, such as HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea, but infections spread by skin-to-skin contact may still pass from areas a condom does not cover. Regular testing alongside condoms gives extra peace of mind.

Why do condoms sometimes break?

Common reasons include oil-based lubricant with latex, using two at once, an expired condom or one stored in heat. Using water- or silicone-based lubricant and checking the expiry date helps them work well. After a split condom, emergency contraception and an STI check may be worth considering.

Related terms

Sources

  1. NHSCondoms
  2. Planned ParenthoodHow effective are condoms?