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By Mayo Clinic staffCondoms are available without a prescription. They're sold in many stores and from vending machines in some restrooms. Condoms may be less expensive at family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood. They're also usually available at university health centers.
Condoms come in a number of shapes, sizes and textures. Finding a condom that works well for you can take a little trial and error.
- Fit is important. If it's too tight, a condom is more likely to break. If it's too loose, it may slip off.
- Some men find that condoms decrease sensation or are uncomfortable to wear. You may find that a certain type of condom is more comfortable for you or provides greater sensation during sex.
Some condoms are lubricated with nonoxynol-9, a spermicide meant to help prevent pregnancy. However, condoms without spermicide appear to be a better option for several reasons:
- Spermicidal condoms don't appear to be any more effective than other lubricated condoms at preventing pregnancy.
- Nonoxynol-9 may irritate or damage skin cells in the vagina and rectum. This could potentially increase the risk of getting an STD.
- Spermicide doesn't help protect you or your partner against HIV/AIDS or other STDs.
- Spermicidal condoms cost more than other types of condoms and have a shorter shelf life.
Condom safety tips
- Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Exposure to air, heat and light increases the chance that a condom will break. Don't keep condoms in a billfold, back pocket or glove compartment for an extended period of time. Friction, perspiration and changes in temperature can cause condoms to break down and become less reliable.
- Check the expiration date. Don't use a condom after its expiration has passed.
- Check condoms for damage — brittleness, small tears or pinprick holes — before using.
- With latex condoms, be sure to use only water-based lubricants, such as K-Y jelly. Don't use oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, cooking oil or lotion. They can weaken a latex condom and cause it to break.
- Never reuse a condom. If a condom is inside out and does not unroll easily, don't flip it over because there may be semen in it. Use another condom.
- If you're concerned about preventing STDs, use a latex or polyurethane condom. Lambskin condoms don't protect against STDs as well as latex or polyurethane condoms do. Read the label on the package to see what the condom is made of and whether it's labeled for STD prevention.
- For the best protection from STDs, use a condom during any sexual activity, whether vaginal, oral or anal.
- Warner L, et al. Male condoms. In: Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media; 2007:297.
- Flannagan J. Promoting sexual health: Practical guidelines on male condom use. Nursing standard. 2008;21:67.
