Condoms are one of the best ways to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections. They’re also a barrier method of birth control. They help stop sperm from reaching an egg. There are many different types and styles of condoms. These include types that are designed to be worn on a penis or in a vagina.
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Condoms are thin, stretchy pouches or sheaths that help protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevent pregnancy. They create a barrier between bodies that limits skin-to-skin contact and contact between body fluids. The barrier helps prevent viruses and bacteria from passing between sexual partners. They also help prevent pregnancy by keeping sperm out of a vagina.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Using a condom every time you have sexual intercourse is one of the best ways to practice safe sex. You can buy condoms over the counter at pharmacies, grocery stores and general merchandise stores.
If you’re sexually active, condoms are a very effective way to prevent STIs and pregnancy. When you use them correctly, they’re more than 90% effective against STIs like:
But condoms have risks. They greatly reduce your risk for pregnancy and STIs. But they aren’t guaranteed to work without failure. They don’t cover your entire genital area. You can still pass or receive some STIs from skin-to-skin contact. These include:
They can also break, tear, leak or slip off. If this happens, you’re at a higher risk of an STI or unwanted pregnancy.
Other condom risks include:
When you use condoms correctly, they’re about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. That means about 2 out of 100 people who only use condoms as birth control will get pregnant. But if they’re not used correctly, they’re about 87% effective. That means 13 out of 100 people who only use condoms as birth control will get pregnant.
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It’s a good idea to use condoms along with other birth control options for extra pregnancy protection.
Most condoms fail because of human error. That means you make a mistake while using it that causes it to be ineffective. Some examples of human error that causes condoms to fail include:
Condom types include:
You should only use one condom at a time during sexual intercourse. Using more than one creates friction. Extra friction increases the likelihood that the condoms will rip or tear.
Condom sizes range. It’s important to use condoms that fit properly. A condom that’s too tight or loose can be uncomfortable. It also may not work as well. Look for size recommendations on condom boxes. They vary according to the measurements of your fully erect penis.
Condoms may consist of three different materials. These include:
Latex is the most common condom material. It’s a type of rubber. Latex condoms are effective at helping to prevent pregnancy and the transfer of STIs.
Latex condoms are safe to use with silicone or water-based lubes. Don’t use oil-based lubes with latex condoms. Oil-based lubes can cause them to break.
Plastic condoms are made of materials such as polyurethane, polyisoprene or nitrile. They’re a good alternative to latex condoms if you or your partner has a latex allergy. They’re good at helping prevent pregnancy and STIs.
You can use silicone and water-based lubes with plastic condoms. You can also use oil-based lubes with plastic condoms, unless they consist of polyisoprene. Oil-based lubes can cause polyisoprene condoms to break.
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Natural skin condoms consist of the intestinal lining of animals. Sheep are the most common animal used to make natural skin condoms. Some people use this type of condom if they have a latex allergy. They’re also safe to use with silicone, water-based or oil-based lubes.
Natural skin condoms help prevent pregnancy. But healthcare providers don’t recommend them for the prevention of STIs. There are very tiny holes in natural condoms. Sperm are too big to pass through the holes. But bacteria and viruses are small enough to pass.
Lubricated condoms include lube that helps reduce friction during sexual intercourse. Friction can increase the risk of your condom ripping or tearing. Some lubricated condoms contain spermicidal lube. Spermicide is a type of birth control that helps stop sperm so it can’t reach an egg cell.
Non-lubricated condoms don’t contain lube. You may prefer non-lubricated condoms for many reasons. You might want to use other types of lubricants. You may also like a non-lubricated condom for oral sex because you or your partner doesn’t want to get lube in their mouth. They’re also a good alternative if you have lube sensitivities or allergies.
There are many kinds of condoms that claim to maximize pleasure. Some are thinner than regular condoms. Or they may have different textures (like ribbed condoms or nubs) to increase sensation. Some contain warming gels, cooling gels or a flavor.
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Every person is different. What feels good to one person may be unpleasant to another. It’s important to have open communication with your partner(s). This helps you have a better understanding of each other’s needs, wants and comfort. You may need to try many kinds of condoms to find out what feels best for you and your partner(s).
It’s important to put a condom on before your penis touches the vagina, anus or mouth of your partner. This helps offer the best protection. Here’s how to use a condom correctly:
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Anyone of any age can buy condoms. This includes teenagers. You don’t have to be 18. A cashier can’t refuse to sell them to you.
Yes. Condoms have a printed expiration date on the box. They also have a stamped expiration date on the wrapper. Once a condom expires, manufacturers can’t guarantee it’ll work.
Condoms expire because the material breaks down over time. Think of how rubber hoses or thin plastics can become brittle and crack. The lube in lubricated condoms can also dry out or break down. If you open a condom and it feels sticky, dry or stiff, don’t use it. Get a new condom.
It’s also important to store condoms properly. Improper storage can damage condoms. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Don’t keep them in your wallet, purse or pocket, which can cause them to bend or crease.
It depends on the type of condom material. But in general, they can last between one and five years. Always check the expiration date on the condom box or wrapper before use.
If you’re concerned about pregnancy, you can use the morning-after pill. This is a type of emergency contraception. You can also reach out to your healthcare provider so they can prescribe a stronger pill. They can also insert a copper IUD to stop pregnancy.
When used within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, emergency contraception is up to 89% effective at preventing pregnancy. You should also talk to your provider about STI testing, including HIV testing.
Besides condoms, other common birth control options include:
Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any questions. They can review birth control options with you and recommend the best one.
Don’t use household items as condoms in a pinch. These include balloons, latex gloves, plastic bags or plastic wrap. They’re not designed to stay in place. You also risk scraping or cutting yourself or your partner. Open wounds on or around your genitals increase your odds of transferring STIs.
If you’re sexually active, using condoms consistently and correctly is one of the best ways to prevent pregnancy and STIs. There are many different types, styles, textures and sizes. You and your partner(s) may need to try different ones before finding what works best.
Unfortunately, condoms aren’t perfect. They can rip, tear, leak or slip off. If this happens, talk to your healthcare provider about emergency contraception and STI testing. They can also talk to you about supplemental birth control options and vaccines to help reduce your STI risk.
Cleveland Clinic’s primary care providers offer lifelong medical care. From sinus infections and high blood pressure to preventive screening, we’re here for you.
Last reviewed on 11/18/2025.
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