Condoms prevent HIV
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from HIV and other STIs.
Condoms work. Simple.
When used correctly and consistently condoms are an extremely effective method of preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms work as they stop the passing of fluids from one partner to the other.
There are two types: external condoms and internal condoms. This page is all about external condoms—easy to use, easy to carry, and widely available. You can find more information about internal condoms here.
Where to get condoms
You can get condoms for free from most sexual health clinics. If you’re under 25, you can also get free condoms through the Come Correct (C-Card) scheme. It’s confidential, quick to sign up, and gives you access to condoms from loads of places across London.
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, who living in London, can access free condoms from our outreach team. You can access their events calendar here.
You can also buy condoms at places like Boots, Superdrug and Freedoms Shop.
Do I still need condoms while on PrEP?
It’s your personal choice, but we recommend it. PrEP protects against HIV, but not other STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis. Condoms help protect you and your partners from those too, so using both gives you the best protection.
For many, a combination of PrEP and condom use works best due to the combined protection against HIV and STIs. Regular testing is also important because some STIs are transmitted orally.
How to put a condom on
Check the expiry date. Open the packet carefully—no teeth. Pinch the tip of the condom and roll it down onto an erect penis. After sex, hold the base and pull out while still hard. Wrap it up and bin it (not down the toilet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the best way to protect myself from STIs, including HIV?
You can protect yourself and your partner from HIV and other STIs by making sure that exposure does not occur – and by reducing the chance of HIV or STI transmission to yourself or your partner if exposure does occur.
Condoms are a cheap, easy and effective way to protect against HIV and STIs.
Biomedical prevention methods are also highly effective against HIV. These biomedical methods include PrEP, PEP and Undetectable.
2. What condoms should I use?
You should only use condoms which carry a British Standard kitemark or CE mark and which are within their expiry date.
The human body varies widely – and because of this variety condom manufacturers have created a huge range of different types of condom to suit individual size, shape and sensitivity. So shop around until you find the kind that fits you best.
Some people have a latex (rubber) allergy. For those people, non-latex condoms, like Durex Avanti, Mates Skyn and Pasante Unique should be used.
For people who have problems with condoms, such as loss of sensitivity, or premature ejaculation, there are products on the market to help with this. Extra thin condoms are available from most shops and online. Some outlets also sell ‘delaying’ condoms which can help with premature ejaculation.
3. What lubricant should I use?
If you don’t use enough lubricant, or use the wrong kind, it can increase the risk of “condom failure”. This makes transmission of HIV and other STIs possible.
You should only use water-based lubes (for example K-Y Jelly, Liquid Silk and ID Glide) and silicone-based lubes (Eros Bodyglide and Skyn Max) with latex condoms.
Using oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline, cooking oil, moisturiser, sun cream, baby oil or butter is very risky as these products damage condoms and can cause them to break. However, oil-based lubricants can be used ONLY with non-latex condoms such as Durex Avanti, Mates Skyn or Pasante Unique.
One last thing: don’t rely on saliva to lubricate your condom as it dries quickly, and your condom could tear easily.