Contraception - male (external) condoms

What are condoms?

Condoms are an effective form of contraception. Their job is to act as a 'barrier' by stopping sperm and other body fluids (blood, semen or vaginal fluids) from entering the vagina, mouth or anus. They can prevent pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

Other forms of barrier contraception include:

• female (internal) condoms
• diaphragm.

What is a male (external) condom?

An male (external) condom is a thin strong latex (rubber) pouch that comes in different sizes, colours and styles.

Non-latex condoms made of polyurethane (plastic) and polyisoprene (synthetic rubber) are available for people with a latex allergy.

They are put on an erect penis or can be placed on vibrators and sex toys (such as dildos).

External condoms are available in small packets that conveniently fit in your wallet, pocket or bag. It’s a good idea to carry spare condoms with you in case you ever need them.

If you’re not confident using condoms, practise putting them on before you have sex.

How male (external) condoms work

Male (external) condoms act as a barrier against pregnancy and STIs.

Using condoms to prevent pregnancy

External condoms block ejaculate (cum) from entering the vagina to prevent pregnancy. They are up to 98% effective when fitted correctly and can be used with other forms of contraception including:

• the pill
• mini pill
• intrauterine devices (IUD)
• implants
• injections
• vaginal rings.

If you are unsure which method of contraception and protection is best to talk to your GP (doctor) or nurse.

Using condoms to protect against STIs

External condoms are also used for safer sex because they block the exchange of body fluids during any form of sexual contact (including anal, oral, vaginal, some skin-to-skin contact and sharing of vibrators and sex toys).

Use a new condom each time you have any sexual contact and when switching between different types of sex (such as from anal to vaginal).

Remember that dental dams (although not a form of condom) can be used during oral sex to prevent STIs.

How effective are male (external) condoms?

External condoms are up to 98% effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy during vaginal sex. However, this figure declines if they are used incorrectly or the condom breaks or slips off during sex.

Condoms are also the most effective way to reduce your risk of contracting sexually transmissible infections (STIs). If you are sexually active, make sure you have an STI test at least once a year and more regularly if you have multiple partners over a short period.

How to choose and store condoms

Condoms come in different sizes, so choose the right size for you. Always use condoms that meet Australian standards. If you are travelling overseas, check they meet international standards.

When properly stored, condoms have a lifespan of about 5 years. Always:

• make sure the use-by-date on the packet is current
• keep condoms in a cool, dry place as they can be damaged by heat. (Such as not keeping them in the car’s glove-box in warm weather for a long time)
• buy non-latex condoms if you or your partner is allergic to latex.

Remember, there are some novelty condoms available that are not intended to prevent pregnancy or STIs, and therefore should not be used for penetrative sex. Always use reputable brands.

How to use a male (external) condom

Always check the use-by date first.

If you are unsure how to use condoms, follow the instructions on the packet.

To avoid pregnancy or STIs, put the condom on an erect penis or sex toy before it touches the vagina, mouth or anus.

How to use external (male) condoms:

• Open the packet carefully – avoid tearing the condom with your jewellery, teeth or fingernails.
• Check which way the condom unrolls, but do not unroll it.
• If you don’t get the condom on properly the first time, throw it away and use a new condom.
• Gently squeeze the top of the condom to remove air and unroll it as far as it will go down the erect penis or sex toy.
• Water-based lubricant (lube) can be used. Lube is a jelly or liquid-like material to reduce friction and stop tears. It can also make sex more enjoyable.
• Don’t apply lubricant (lube) inside the condom – it may cause slippage making the condom less effective.

How to dispose of condoms

After using a male (external) condom during sex:

• Withdraw the penis after ejaculation (or sex toy) by gently holding the condom’s rim. Be careful not to spill any semen.
• Tie the open end of the condom in a knot.
• Do not flush the condom down the toilet, put it in the bin.

Resolving common problems with external (male) condoms

Possible problems may occur when using external condoms during sex. These may include:

• The condom rolls up – check the condom and roll it back to the base of the penis. It may help to use water-based lubricant.
• The condom slides off – pull out and use a new condom. Make sure you have the right size.
• You cannot get or hold an erection – withdraw the penis, holding on to the condom. Condoms can only be used when the penis is erect. If you are ready to have sex again, start with a new condom.

Avoiding condom tears

Check that your preferred brand of lubricant is water or silicone-based, not oil-based.

Water and silicone-based lubricants can reduce friction and help to prevent condom breakage. Lube can also enhance your sexual pleasure.

Water and silicone-based lube should be used for all anal sex.

Avoid oil-based lubricants

Don’t use oil-based lubricants (such as baby oil, massage oil or petroleum jelly) – they can cause a condom to weaken and break.

If a condom breaks during sex, your partner could be at risk of pregnancy or contracting an STI.

Where to get male (external) condoms and lubricant

External (male) condoms and water-based lubricant (lube) are usually easy to get. They are available from:

• supermarkets
• pharmacies (chemists)
• sexual health and family planning clinics
• youth services
• sex shops
• vending machines
• online.

Some services provide them free.

Advantages of male (external) condoms

Apart from being effective in preventing pregnancy, male (external) condoms:

• protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
• are easy to use
• are readily available and come in different sizes and styles
• have little or no side effects
• are low in cost and can be bought without a prescription
• make sexual contact enjoyable
• can be used any time after giving birth.

How do condoms make having sex enjoyable?

Many people say that condoms improve their sexual pleasure because they:

• reduce worries about the risk of pregnancy (condoms are up to 98% effective)
• have fewer concerns about getting an STI
• improve the quality and duration of an erection
• can be used in foreplay and make the whole sexual experience last longer
• make them feel respected by their partner/s.

Potential health risks from using male (external) condoms

There are no known serious health risks from using male (external) condoms.

Some people may experience irritation or a rash, especially if you have an allergy to latex (rubber). If this is the case, use non-latex condoms instead and ask your GP or sexual health clinic for other options.

What to do if you have unsafe sex

If you have had unprotected sex or the condom breaks or slips:

• Don’t douche (wash out the vagina or rectal areas with water or other fluids). It may irritate delicate tissues and increase the risk of infection.
• You may need to take emergency contraception (known as the ‘morning after pill’) as soon as you can (up to 4 days is best, but it can occur no later than 5 days (120 hours).
• Or have a non-hormonal (copper) IUD surgically inserted within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
• See your GP or sexual health clinic and get tested for STIs. STI checks are recommended at least annually for anyone who is sexually active.
• If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, see your GP or call the Victorian PEP information line on 1800 889 887 to assess whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – a course of antiviral medication used to prevent HIV. It must be taken within 72 hours (4 days).

Information in community languages

The male condom (bilingual) (PDF) by Family Planning NSW, available from Health Translations Directory:

• Arabic
• Assyrian
• Burmese
• Chinese (simplified)
• Dinka
• Farsi (Persian)
• Khmer (Cambodian)
• Korean
• Lao
• Serbian (Cyrillic)
• Swahili
• Thai
• Turkish
• Vietnamese

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Your school nurse or school welfare coordinator.
• Your school nurse or welfare coordinator. Some secondary schools provide access to an adolescent health trained GP on site
• Your local community health service
• Your pharmacist
• 1800 My Options – Victoria’s sexual and reproductive health information and phone line service Tel. 1800 My Options (1800 696 784)
• Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) – book an appointment online or call Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700, Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952 (Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm). These services are youth friendly.
• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm) Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017.
• Victorian Sexual Health Network – where to get tested – visit Melbourne Sexual Health Centre's GP partner clinics for STI check-ups and treatment
• Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Victorian AIDS Council) Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840 (toll free)
• The Centre Clinic, St Kilda Tel. (03) 9525 5866
• Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre (Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm) Tel. (03) 9416 2889 or email: equinoxadmin@thorneharbour.org
• PRONTO! Clinic for men who have sex with men. Book online or Tel. Tel. (03) 9416 2889
• Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic – book online or Tel. (03) 5338 4541
• Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic – book online Tel. (03) 5406 1200 or (03) 5448 1600
• Gateway Health Sexual and Reproductive Health – Clinic 35, Wodonga (Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm) Tel. (02) 6022 8888 and Wangaratta Tel. (03) 5723 2000 or email: info@gatewayhealth.org.au
• Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mildura (Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm) Tel. (03) 5022 5444 or email to: schs@schs.com.au
• Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic (no GP referral, walk-in service Tuesdays 2 pm – 6:30 pm) Tel. (03) 5226 7489
• Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Fitzroy: Tel. (03) 9419 3000 and Preston Tel. (03) 9403 3300 (Monday to Friday 10 am – 4 pm) and after-hours locum service Tel. 132 660 or Epping: Tel. (03) 8592 3920 (Monday to Thursday 9 am-5 pm, Friday 9 am-4 pm)
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line Tel.1800 806 292