The male or external condom is a thin latex or non-latex covering that is rolled onto an erect (hard) penis.
How does it work?
Worn on the penis during sex, the male condom provides a barrier that collects semen (fluid that contains sperm), preventing it from entering a partner’s body. Condoms can also be used on sex toys if they are being shared between people. This will reduce the risk of STI transmission.
How well does it work?
Condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used consistently and correctly, but in typical use they are 87% effective, because condoms can break and are not always used correctly.
Besides abstinence, condoms are the best protection against STIs, but are less effective at preventing pregnancy than some other types of contraception.
Condoms work best when used for every act of sex as long as you:
• Use a new one every time
• Ensure you have the correct size
• Take care to put it on and take it off correctly
What are the benefits?
• Condoms are the only form of contraception which also reduce the risk of STIs, including HIV.
• Condoms are effective if used properly every time you have sex. But they are not as effective as methods such as the implant or the pill.
• They can be used at the same time as another effective method of contraception such as the implant or the pill, although male condoms shouldn’t be used at the same time as female (internal) condoms and you should never use two male condoms at once!
• They’re cheap, small and easy to carry.
• You don’t have to see a health care provider to get them.
What are the downsides?
• You need to use a new condom each time you have sex.
• Most condoms are made from latex rubber which is perishable. This means that they can break if they aren’t stored correctly. Always keep condoms in a cool place and check the use-by date.
• Oil-based lube can cause latex condoms to break so only use water-based lube.
Are there side effects?
There are no side-effects, although some people are allergic to latex or the lube. This isn’t common, but if you or your partner have a reaction, try using a non-latex condom made from polyisoprene (a type of soft plastic).
Can anyone use the male condom?
Anyone can choose to use condoms.
Where do you get them?
From any nursing station, health centres, clinic hubs and NGO clinics, such as the Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji Clinic situated at Garden City Raiwai, Suva, or Medical Services Pacific see locations in support services tab) and you can purchase condoms at pharmacies and some supermarkets.
Male Condom