Condom FAQs

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Why should you use a condom when you have sexual intercourse?
Condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are the only form of protection that can help stop the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and prevent pregnancy.


Are condoms effective against HIV and other STDs?
Condoms are very effective at preventing HIV transmission, and will also help to prevent the transmission of any other infection that's spread through semen or vaginal fluids. However, they are only effective if they're used properly every time you have sex.

What is a female condom?

A female condom is similar to a male condom, but is wider and is worn inside a woman's vagina rather than over the penis. The condom has two rings - the ring at the closed end of the female condom is pushed up inside the vagina, while the ring at the open end surrounds the entrance to the vagina. The man's penis is guided into the condom through this ring.

Is it true that condoms have tiny holes in them?
Some people claim that condoms have tiny pores or holes in them through which sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV can pass. This is not true. Many studies show that condoms do not have pores big enough for HIV to travel through. Most latex condoms have walls that are approximately .05 mm thick – a virus such as HIV would therefore have to pass through a barrier around 500 times thicker than itself to reach the outside.


What are condoms made of?
Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane. Latex condoms are more widely available and cheaper, although some people are allergic to them, in which case a polyurethane condom may be more appropriate.

Is using two condoms better than one to avoid pregnancy?
Using two condoms at the same time - either two male condoms or a male and female condom - is not a good idea as the friction of them rubbing together may result in one or both of the condoms tearing. If you want to take extra precautions against pregnancy when having sex, and are concerned about the possibility of a condom breaking, it is better to use another form of contraception. For example, using the birth control pill as well as a condom will provide extra protection against pregnancy and STDs.

Can you use a condom under water?
 If you are going to use a condom under water it is important that you put the condom on before you get into the water. Also, if the water contains chemicals such as chlorine, or additives such as soap, bath oil or bubble bath then this may affect the latex.

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