If condoms are used correctly they completely protect against HIV transmission and significantly reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections. A study of 123 couples in Europe, in which one partner was HIV positive, and the other negative, and who reported consistent condom use, showed no new HIV transmissions, while amongst 122 couples who used condoms inconsistently, there were 12 cases of HIV transmission. HIV cannot pass through an intact and undamaged condom!
Remember to check the expiry date of any condoms you are using! In the UK you should also check condoms for the British Kitemark which shows that they have been properly tested and approved.
Condoms may fail because the wrong lubricant is being used. Only water based lubricants should be used with latex condoms. Oil based lubricants such as Vaseline, baby oil, or margarine will weaken the condom and increase the risk of breakage or tears. Condoms can also be weakened by exposure to sunlight, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails. Condoms do occasionally fail even when correctly used, though this happens rarely (studies in the USA suggest less than 2% of the time). For detailed instructions on condom fitting follow this link.
Some condoms may contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9, which reduces the risk of conception in cases of breakage; however these are not recommended when trying to reduce the risk of HIV infection as there is evidence that the spermicide can cause inflammation and increase the risk of HIV transmission.
Traditionally extra-strong (usually thicker) condoms have been recommended for anal sex to further reduce the risk of tearing and breakage. However there has never been any evidence to prove that thicker condoms are more effective. There is a growing body of recent research suggesting that they may not bring any extra advantage, and that the most important factor is using the condom correctly - applying plenty of lube, unrolling the condom after fitting it to the penis, and using lubricant on the outside of the condom only. Whether extra-strong or standard, if a condom displays either a British Kitemark or a European CE mark, you'll know that it has been tested to the highest standards and if used properly will offer you the best protection possible. In fact in Australia, which has one of the lowest rates of HIV transmission, most gay men use standard strength condoms. We supply both standard and extra strength condoms so the choice is yours.
party hats
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 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 ensure that you both have double protection against pregnancy as well as protection against STIs.
Yes. Any lubricants can be used with male or female polyurethane condoms. Some people use spermicide - which does not weaken latex or polyurethane - as an extra lubricant. If you are using a male latex condom, remember that you should never use oil-based products - such as body oils, creams, lotions or petroleum jelly - as a lubricant. This is because they can damage the latex and make the condom more likely to split. Some ointments can also damage latex. If you are using medication in the genital area - for example, creams, pessaries or suppositories - ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if it will affect latex condoms.
