1.    What are the correct steps for putting on a male condom_

Place the condom on the tip of the penis, squeeze the air out of the tip, then unroll it. By leaving some extra room at the tip of the condom, you’ll leave enough room so the condom doesn’t break while you’re using it.

2.    What is the best lubricant for latex condoms_

Oil-based products like petroleum jelly, massage oil or hand lotion might seem like good lubricants, but they can actually damage latex condoms. Water-based lubricants like K-Y Jelly or Astroglide work very well. You can also use water or saliva. Spermicidal foam or jelly not only provides extra protection against pregnancy, but also acts as a lubricant.

3.    What are condoms made out of_

There are over 100 kinds of condoms available—you can choose condoms made from latex, lambskin or even plastic (polyurethane). Though all of these condoms can prevent a pregnancy, only latex condoms have also been proven effective at preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

4.    How effective is the male condom at preventing pregnancy_

If 100 couples use a condom every time they have sex, three of the women will become pregnant by the end of the year. If they don’t use condoms every time they have sex or if there are errors in use, this number goes up to 14 pregnancies.

5.    What can you do to increase effectiveness of condoms in preventing pregnancy and STIs_

Use condoms along with a spermicide. Spermicides are creams, foams, jellies or films that the woman inserts into her vagina before she has sex to kill sperm before it reaches an egg. There is some evidence that spermicides also provide protection from some kinds of STIs. And you can also use condoms with other kinds of birth control to increase your protection from pregnancy.

6.    Is the female condom as effective as the male condom at preventing STIs_

The female condom, or vaginal pouch, is actually better than the male condom at preventing some STIs. It provides better protection against herpes because it covers more of a woman’s genital area than the male condom, preventing contact with sores that aren’t just on the penis, but around the genital area.

7.    How can using condoms protect your family far into the future_

Some sexually transmitted infections have long-term side effects. Both gonorrhea and chlamydia can damage reproductive organs so a woman won’t be able to get pregnant or a man won’t be able to father children. Other STIs can be passed from a mother to her baby. By using condoms to prevent STIs now, you’ll actually be protecting yourself so you will be able to have a baby when you want to—and to ensure that your child will be born healthy.

8.    When should condoms be used to prevent STIs_

Use condoms every time you have sex. They can be used during vaginal, anal and oral intercourse.

9.    Who invented the first condom_

Condoms have been around for a long time. We know that the ancient Egyptians were wearing decorative covers in the penis as early as 1350 B.C.! Condoms made of goat bladders were used in ancient Rome. By the 1500s people were using linen sheathes to protect themselves from disease and pregnancy. By the middle of the 1800s, rubber condoms were invented and in use.


Remember, only 100% effective way avoid pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections is not to have sex.  But if you do choose to be sexually active, use a condom consistently every time you have sex.