How do condoms work?
What is a condom? A condom is a thin piece of rubbery material that fits over a man’s penis during sex. When used correctly, condoms prevent HIV, as well as pregnancy and most STIs. The most popular and common type of condom is made from a thin latex (rubber). How do condoms work? Sexual fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids and blood can pass on HIV and STIs. A condom forms a barrier between these fluids and entry points into the body, such as a person’s: vagina anus penis (urethra) mouth (especially if there are large open sores or bleeding gums) Although a few STIs can also be passed on through skin-to-skin contact (for example genital warts), condoms still cut the risk of many of these infections. When should I use a condom? You can use a condom to protect yourself and your partner from HIV and STIs: during vaginal, anal and oral sex every time you have sex when sharing sex toys (put a new condom on for each partner) Putting a condom on before any contact between the penis and a par...