Using a condom to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or unintended pregnancy can seem pretty straightforward—until you’re standing in the condom aisle looking at all the options. What kind should you buy? What type of protection works best for the sex you’re having?
This guide will walk you through what kind of barriers (e.g., condoms and dental dams) to use depending on what kind of sex you want to have, in addition to some general tips on how to get the most out of your protection.
To recap: STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are essentially different terms for the same thing—the bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other organisms that can infect people through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. They’re spread through the exchange of bodily fluids (including semen and vaginal fluid) and skin-to-skin contact.
Young people ages 15–24 account for half of all new STI infections, according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so for sexually active young adults, STI prevention is a big deal. One of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting or spreading STIs is to use barrier methods like condoms. Barriers create a literal wall between your skin and your partners’ to reduce skin-to-skin contact and bodily fluid exchange. When having vaginal sex, barriers can also reduce your risk of pregnancy by preventing the semen from entering the vagina. In fact, external condoms can prevent 98 percent of pregnancies with consistent and correct use—but as with STI prevention, correct usage is key.
No matter what kind of sex you’re having, make sure to follow these tips:
Use barriers every time
A barrier method doesn’t work if it isn’t on, so if you’re planning to use barriers as your primary form of protection, you want to make sure you have them with you. This might mean making a plan to carry condoms or discussing with any partners ahead of time who will be responsible for bringing the barriers. (Note: People can forget, so carrying them yourself is always your best option.) Make sure you know how to store them correctly—proper condom storage can help prevent breakage.
Use barriers correctly
Most condom failures actually result from user error, or the mistakes people make when they aren’t sure how to use barriers most effectively. So if you’ve never used one, practice putting one on yourself or your partner until you get it right. A study involving college men found the following common errors: putting on the condom after starting sex, taking it off before ejaculating, and not leaving a reservoir tip at the end—resulting in condom breakage and slippage.
Add lube and make it fun!
Using a water-based or silicone-based lubricant can increase sensation and make sex more pleasurable for all parties. Avoid using a DIY oil-based lubricant (like baby oil or Vaseline®) since that can degrade your condom and make it more likely to break. If wearing a condom is uncomfortable, try a different brand or size. Condoms come in lots of different shapes and sizes, many of which are intended to increase pleasure or sensation; you can also make putting on a condom a part of foreplay.
For vaginal sex
When having vaginal sex, you can use either an external condom or an internal condom to reduce the risk of STI transmission and accidental pregnancy. Whichever kind of condom you choose, you can add water-based or silicone-based lube to increase sensation and reduce potential pain.
An external condom, also called a male condom, goes on the outside of a penis or toy. For STI prevention, make sure to avoid those made out of lambskin; these do not prevent the transmission of STIs. External condoms are widely accessible at drug stores and are often available on campus for free or low cost. Putting lubrication inside the condom increases sensitivity for both partners and can make the condom easier to put on.
A lesser-known option, the internal condom, is also great for vaginal sex. These pouch-shaped condoms are made from a soft, plastic material and contain a ring at each end. These can be a little harder to find but are still available on some campuses for free or low cost, or they can be found in some health clinics like Planned Parenthood; specialty stores, such as sex toy or condom stores; or online. Note that the only FDA approved brand of internal condoms in the US is the FC2 Female Condom®.
Some advantages of using internal condoms include being able to put them in up to eight hours before use, a potential pleasure boost from clitoral stimulation during sex, that they are latex-free for those with allergies, and simply the fun of experimentation.
Learn more about internal condoms and how to use them.
For oral sex
Yes, you can and should use barriers for oral sex too! Many sexually transmitted infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes (HSV), gonorrhea, and chlamydia can be transmitted through unprotected oral sex.
For oral sex involving a penis, you can use a dry, lubricated, or flavored external condom. Again, adding lube to the inside of the condom can increase sensation.
For oral sex on a vulva or anus, you can use an oral dam (also sometimes called a dental dam). An oral dam is a thin piece of latex placed over the vulva or anus for oral sex. Oral dams are available on some campuses for free or at a low cost, and you can also find them in some health clinics like Planned Parenthood; specialty stores, such as sex toy or condom stores; or online for about $1.50 each. For a more accessible DIY (and still safe) alternative, you can cut a condom or latex glove down one side and unfold to cover a wider area, or simply use plastic wrap as an oral dam.
Learn more about dental dams and how to make one with a condom.
For anal sex
To help prevent STI transmission during anal sex, you can use an external or internal condom with the same guidelines as those above. If you use an internal condom, make sure to remove the inner ring first.
Because the anus does not naturally lubricate, it can tear easily, raising the risk of being infected with HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STIs. No matter what kind of condom you choose, make sure to add plenty of extra lube. Silicone-based lubricants tend to be best for anal sex, but water-based ones work well too. Never use an oil-based lubricant (like baby oil, massage oil, or Vaseline®) since this can degrade your condom, making it less effective at preventing the transmission of STIs. Most lubricants sold near condoms in the drug stores are water- or silicone-based and are generally safe.
