HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury

Condoms

Pūkoro ure

Condoms are good at stopping pregnancy and preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You need to use a condom correctly every time you have sex for them to work.

Condoms aren't effective if they break, come off or get damaged. If any of these things happen when using a condom, you should consider using emergency contraception. There is also a small chance of getting pregnant even if condoms are used correctly.

If you use lubrication (liquid to make things slippery), the condom is less likely to break.

You can buy condoms in many shops or online.

You can also get them from your general practice, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Clinic, school clinic or Te Tahi Youth. The Sexual Health Centre can also provide them. They will either be free, or at least cheaper than buying them.

Internal (female) condoms are also available that cover inside the vagina and around the vaginal entrance.

You can buy internal condoms from a few shops and online. You can also get them through Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Clinics.

  HealthInfo recommends the following videos

• National AIDS Fund – How to use a female condom

  This video shows you how to use an internal condom.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
  • Condoms

    Information about male condoms and how to use them.

  • Internal condoms

    Information about internal condoms and how to use them.

• Protected and Proud – Condoms

  Information about male and female (internal) condoms.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2022.

Sources

Page reference: 54616

Review key: HICAS-53138