External (male) condoms
Sex and relationships
Video: Using condoms in a relationship
Mutale's boyfriend wants them to stop using condoms, but Mutale feels a bit confused. In this video she talks it over with her friends.
Can you relate to Mutale’s dilemma?
Are you thinking about stopping using condoms with your regular partner? Has the subject come up in your conversations? It’s a good idea to know the facts and think through your options before making any decisions.
What do you think Mutale should do?
Use our comic creator to finish Mutale’s story!
- The basics
- In detail
Fast facts
- Effectiveness: Condoms work really well at preventing HIV, pregnancy and most sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, they are the only form of contraception that protect against pregnancy and STIs.
- Where to get them: Many health clinics offer condoms free of charge to anyone who wants them, no questions asked. Condoms are also available to buy in most pharmacies and many supermarkets.
- Make it fun: You can make putting on a condom a fun part of foreplay, textured condoms can add to the pleasure for both partners, and flavoured condoms can make oral sex more fun.
- Try female condoms: Female condoms (which are placed in the vagina or anus before sex) can also be a good option for many couples and work just as well as male condoms.
- Show that you care: Wanting to use a condom when you have sex with your partner isn’t a sign that you don’t trust them – it’s a way of showing you care and that you want to protect each other. Not using a condom is not a guarantee that you are faithful only to one another, nor does it make someone more of a man. It does, however, put you at risk of HIV, other STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
- Other contraceptives: If you stop using condoms it’s a good idea to think about other contraceptives such as the pill or implant – these will not protect you from HIV and other STIs, but they will stop unplanned pregnancies. Your healthcare professional will be able to give you more information about options available where you are.
- Sexual health check-ups: Whatever you decide to do, if you are having sex, it’s a good idea to have regular sexual health check-ups, including testing for HIV.
Condoms quiz
Looking for more detailed information?
Are you working with young people on these issues?
These resources will help you lead a discussion on condoms and relationships:
Discussion ideas
- Do you think there’s a right time for couples to stop using a condom? If so, what is it and are there any steps you should take beforehand?
- What advice would you give a friend whose partner is pressuring them to stop using condoms?
- There are lots of myths about using condoms. Do you know any?
- Do you know where you can get a condom from in your area?
- Do you know where you can get tested for HIV and other STIs in your area?
Are you working in the HIV response?
The basics
Fast facts
- Effectiveness: Condoms work really well at preventing HIV, pregnancy and most sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, they are the only form of contraception that protect against pregnancy and STIs.
- Where to get them: Many health clinics offer condoms free of charge to anyone who wants them, no questions asked. Condoms are also available to buy in most pharmacies and many supermarkets.
- Make it fun: You can make putting on a condom a fun part of foreplay, textured condoms can add to the pleasure for both partners, and flavoured condoms can make oral sex more fun.
- Try female condoms: Female condoms (which are placed in the vagina or anus before sex) can also be a good option for many couples and work just as well as male condoms.
- Show that you care: Wanting to use a condom when you have sex with your partner isn’t a sign that you don’t trust them – it’s a way of showing you care and that you want to protect each other. Not using a condom is not a guarantee that you are faithful only to one another, nor does it make someone more of a man. It does, however, put you at risk of HIV, other STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
- Other contraceptives: If you stop using condoms it’s a good idea to think about other contraceptives such as the pill or implant – these will not protect you from HIV and other STIs, but they will stop unplanned pregnancies. Your healthcare professional will be able to give you more information about options available where you are.
- Sexual health check-ups: Whatever you decide to do, if you are having sex, it’s a good idea to have regular sexual health check-ups, including testing for HIV.
Condoms quiz
In detail
Are you working with young people on these issues?
These resources will help you lead a discussion on condoms and relationships:
Discussion ideas
- Do you think there’s a right time for couples to stop using a condom? If so, what is it and are there any steps you should take beforehand?
- What advice would you give a friend whose partner is pressuring them to stop using condoms?
- There are lots of myths about using condoms. Do you know any?
- Do you know where you can get a condom from in your area?
- Do you know where you can get tested for HIV and other STIs in your area?
Explore more
Internal (female) condoms
Sex and relationships
What’s the best contraception method for me?
Sex and relationships
Healthy relationships
Sex and relationships
