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Condoms are the only method of contraception that also protect against STIs

Condoms are the only contraceptive that also offer protection from STIs. Condoms create a physical barrier between sexual partners, which stops fluids like semen, and can stop STIs (like chlamydia or gonorrhoea) from being transmitted.

External condoms are made of latex or polyurethane and fit closely over an erect penis to collect semen and stop it entering the vagina, mouth or anus. This can also prevent the penis from coming into contact with fluids from another body.

Internal condoms Internal condoms (found in Australia as the FC2 Femidom Female Condom) are made from nitrile and are worn inside the vagina to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids. The condom has two rings: the inner ring helps with insertion, while the outer ring stays outside the vagina and is pushed flat against the labia (vaginal lips) for secure placement.

Condoms also provide protection against STIs. Some STIs can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact, so it’s important to remember that condoms only protect the area of skin they cover.

External condoms are about 88% effective. Effectiveness can increase to about 98% with correct and consistent use.

Internal condoms are about 79% effective. Effectiveness can increase to about 95% with correct and consistent use.

It’s a good idea to discuss condom use with your partner/s before any sexual activity. Always keep condoms accessible, and make sure to use one before any genital contact, as sperm can leak from the penis before ejaculation, and pre-cum can transmit STIs.

Condom breakage most commonly happens when the condom is old or damaged by heat, when a water or silicone-based lubricant isn’t used, or when people are inexperienced in using condoms. Some essential condom tips:

  • Always check the expiry date on the condom packet before use
  • Learn how to put on and take off a condom before using one for the first time (practising in private can help!)
  • Store condoms in a dry, cool place away from direct heat (ie not in your car or wallet)
  • Never use a condom more than once
  • Only use water or silicone-based lubricant with condoms – oil-based lubricant can weaken the condom and increase the risk of breakage

Visit a pharmacy or doctor to discuss emergency contraception, such as emergency contraceptive pills and the copper IUD. It is most effective when used as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

For more information, please see the Emergency Contraception Information Sheet.

Having unprotected sex can put you at risk of STIs. A doctor or SHQ clinician can organise testing for you.

  1. Gently open the packet and take out the condom (be careful not to tear it with your teeth, fingernails or rings). Check that the condom is around the right way by unrolling it slightly (it will only unroll one way).
  2. Squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom with your thumb and forefinger and unroll it all the way down the erect penis.
  3. Use a water or silicone-based lubricant on the outside of the condom or around the partner’s genital area (while condoms are generally already lubricated, using extra lubricant helps to enhance pleasure and prevent breakage).
  4. Occasionally check that the condom is still on during sex. If it comes off, withdraw the penis and put a new condom on before sex continues.
  5. After sex, withdraw the penis while it is still hard, holding onto the condom at the base of the penis so that no semen leaks out.
  6. Take off the condom, wrap it up and throw it in the bin, without letting it touch the partner’s genital area.
  1. Carefully open the condom packet. The outer ring at the open end covers the area around the opening of the vagina. The inner ring is used for
    insertion and to help hold the condom in place (you may want to insert extra lubricant inside the condom).
  2. Hold the inner ring between your thumb and middle finger. This will give you a firm grip and narrows the inner ring to ease insertion.
  3. Squeeze the ring together.
  4. Push the ring up into your vagina as far as it will go (as you would a tampon). When inserted correctly the inner ring should not cause any discomfort.
  5. The outer ring should remain outside your vagina.
  6. To remove the condom twist the outer ring to keep the semen inside, then pull gently. Wrap the condom and throw it in the bin.
  • Reduce the risk of getting or passing on STIs (internal condoms possibly provide greater protection than external condoms as they cover part of the vulva, lessening skin-to-skin contact)
  • Have no health risks (alternative varieties are available for those with latex and/or lubricant allergies)
  • Can be bought without a prescription
  • External condoms are widely available from SHQ, pharmacies, vending machines, supermarkets and online at a low cost, with lots of varieties to choose from (including latex-free and non-lubricated)
  • Internal condoms can be initiated by people with a vagina, and can be inserted well in advance of sex if preferred.
  • Must be put on before any genital contact occurs every time you have sex to be effective
  • Can reduce sensitivity for some people (using a small drop of lubricant on the tip of the penis before rolling the condom on can improve sensitivity).
  • Internal condoms may provide potential for the penis to slip outside the condom between the condom and the vaginal wall
  • Internal condoms are more expensive than external condoms and are can only be purchased from select pharmacies, SHQ, or online.

Sharing toys puts you at risk of getting or passing on STIs. To keep yourself and your partner/s safe, cover sex toys with a condom every time you use them. Use a new condom each time you switch between the vagina, anus and mouth, or if sharing toys with partner/s.

How to use the internal condom from The Female Condom Factsheet is reproduced with permission from Family Planning NSW.

Information last updated January 2025

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