Internal condom (FC2)

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 chance of the condom(s) breaking. If you want extra pregnancy prevention, double up with a condom and another method of birth control.

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 a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). That’s because the skin of your anal cavity is made up of delicate tissue, which means small tears and cuts are common—especially if you’re not using enough lube during anal sex—which can lead to additional entry points for infections like STIs.

To protect yourself while having anal sex, make sure you’re using enough lube and use condoms or internal condoms with the inner ring removed.

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.

In the U.S. there are a bunch of types of birth control available over the counter without a prescription or talking to a pharmacist. Condoms, internal condoms, spermicide, the sponge, as well as emergency contraception pills and one type of birth control pill.

If the condom breaks—or leaks or spills—you can prevent pregnancy by using emergency contraception up to five days after it happens. Just remember, EC pills are more effective the sooner you take them. You may also want to get tested for STIs and consider taking medications to prevent HIV if your partner has HIV or you are unsure about the HIV status of the person you had sex with.

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, Vaseline, and all types of cooking oil, including coconut oil) that can cause condoms to break.

Condoms, internal condoms, spermicide, emergency contraception pills, and one brand of the pill are all available at your nearest pharmacy, big box store, or online.

Probably not. The most common symptom of all STIs is no symptom at all. STIs are often asymptomatic or display such mild symptoms they go unnoticed or are mistaken for something else. For that reason, most people with an STI don’t know they have one. Even when STIs have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, it’s still possible to pass them to others. Untreated STIs can cause long-term health problems internally long before we’re aware of their effects, so it’s important to get tested regularly.

It’s true the internal condom can provide protection and pleasure all in one. The internal ring can sometimes stimulate the head of the penis, while the outer ring can provide extra stimulation to the clitoris.

Fun fact: You can insert the internal condom hours before having sex. Not-so-fun fact: if you stand up with it in, the internal condom will hang slightly out of the vagina. The part that sticks out helps the internal condom stay in place and helps protect you from skin-to-skin transmission of STIs. If you want to insert it early, you might want to try wearing a snug pair of underwear when out and about to hold the external part of the condom closer to your body if it bothers you.

If you’re under the influence of alcohol—or anything else—a birth control method that doesn’t require action right when you’re about to get your freak on may be your safest bet. Fortunately, there are plenty of options. Note: These methods will cover you against pregnancy, but you should pair them with a condom for STI protection.

And speaking of covering all your bases, here are some tips for safer, smarter hookups.