Condom

Depends on if you need protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). No method of birth control other than condoms or internal condoms protects you from STIs. Using a condom with another form of birth control is called dual protection since you’re protecting yourself against both pregnancy and STIs.

It depends on what you mean by safer. You can’t get pregnant from having anal sex, but anal sex without a condom or internal condom has one of the highest risks of STIs of any kind of sex. The skin of the anal cavity is made up of permeable mucous membranes which means it’s more delicate and absorbs more than regular skin, including the bacteria and viruses that cause STIs. And small tears and cuts are common during anal sex—especially if you’re not using enough lube—which creates additional points of entry for bacteria and viruses and increases the receiving partner’s chances of getting an STI from anal sex.

To protect yourself while having anal sex, use plenty of lube and a barrier method, like condoms or internal condoms with the inner ring removed (just not both types of condoms at the same time).

When it comes to condoms, two is definitely not better than one. Using two condoms or a condom and an internal condom at the same time can create more friction, which increases the chances the condom(s) will break. If you want extra pregnancy prevention, double up with a condom and an effective method of birth control.

Latex allergies are rare, but they happen. If you or your partner are allergic to latex, there are non-latex polyurethane condoms you can use to protect against pregnancy and STIs. Lambskin condoms are another option for preventing pregnancy, but they don’t protect against STIs.

No other methods of birth control contain latex, so you can safely use them if you or your partner has a latex allergy.

For the most part, condoms are a relatively cheap method compared to other types of birth control, but since you have to use one every single time you have sex, they will be more cost effective if you have sex less frequently.

Check with your local family planning clinics and find out if they offer free or low cost condoms and other kinds of birth control (most do). If you can’t get them for free, they’ll probably cost anywhere from $0.18 to $1.83, though these prices are from a survey of online retailers, so prices at the store may vary slightly.

Yes, try using an internal condom. It’s a barrier method that’s inserted into the vagina (instead of covering the penis, like an external condom) that will help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well.

Magnums are a little bigger than regular condoms, but the truth is, most men don’t need ‘em. Regular-sized condoms will work for most. If you can stretch a condom over your hand, it will also fit on most penises. For a little more on the subject, check out 2 big 2 fit.

Both water-based and silicone-based lubricants are totally safe to use with latex condoms. Steer clear of oil-based lubricants (including massage oil, hand lotion, and Vaseline) that can cause condoms to break.

Condoms are definitely not reusable. You need to put on a new one each and every time you have sex.

Condoms, internal condoms, spermicide, and emergency contraception are all available at your nearest pharmacy.

HPV cannot pass through a latex condom. But this is the kicker: HPV is frequently carried on skin not covered by condoms. So condoms can help prevent HPV, but they’re not a guarantee.


You can’t get pregnant from oral sex, but you can get an STI (sexually transmitted infection). So use condoms or dental dams and get tested regularly.