Condom

For the most part, condoms are a relatively cheap method compared to other types of birth control, but since you have to use one every single time you have sex, they will be more cost effective if you have sex less frequently.

Check with your local family planning clinics and find out if they offer free or low cost condoms and other kinds of birth control (most do). If you can’t get them for free, they’ll probably cost anywhere from $0.18 to $1.83, though these prices are from a survey of online retailers, so prices at the store may vary slightly.

Yes, try using an internal condom. It’s a barrier method that’s inserted into the vagina (instead of covering the penis, like an external condom) that will help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well.

Magnums are a little bigger than regular condoms, but the truth is, most men don’t need ‘em. Regular-sized condoms will work for most. If you can stretch a condom over your hand, it will also fit on most penises. For a little more on the subject, check out 2 big 2 fit.

It depends on your situation. Unless you’re in a totally exclusive relationship and you and your partner have both been tested recently for every single STI, using condoms with whatever other birth control method you choose is a good idea. Basically, if there’s any chance you or your partner could have an STI, the only way to decrease the risk of transmitting it is by using condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, and/or PrEP, (a medication which decreases the risk of getting HIV.) Other forms of birth control don’t protect against STIs.

Using a condom with another form of birth control is called dual protection. It means you’re being super-safe and protecting yourself against both pregnancy and STIs.

When it comes to condoms, two is definitely not better than one. Two condoms can create more friction, which increases the chances the condom(s) will break. If you want to be super safe, double up with a condom and an effective method of birth control. (Now that’s what we call dual action…)

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, and Vaseline) that can cause condoms to break.

Condoms are definitely not reusable. You need to put on a new one each and every time you have sex.

Condoms, internal condoms, spermicide, and emergency contraception are all available at your nearest pharmacy.

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.


You can’t get pregnant from oral sex, but you can get an STI (sexually transmitted infection). So use condoms or dental dams and get tested regularly.

No. It’d be great if you could tell who had an STI (sexually transmitted infection, a.k.a. STD) and who didn’t, but the most common symptom of all STIs is no symptom at all. STIs are often asymptomatic or display such mild symptoms they go unnoticed and/or are mistaken for something else. For that reason, most people with an STI are unaware they have one.When STIs are asymptomatic or exhibiting mild symptoms, they’re still transmittable to others—and there’s no guarantee the STI will remain asymptomatic in the newly infected individual. Recognizable symptom or not, STIs can wreak havoc internally long before we’re aware of their effects; untreated asymptomatic STIs can pose long-term health risks like liver damage (eg. Hepatitis) and infertility (eg. Chlamydia and gonorrhea).

To protect yourself against STIs, use condoms or internal condoms.

Anal sex might seem like a viable option if you’re concerned about pregnancy or losing your virginity in the traditional vaginal penetration sense; however, unprotected anal sex poses one of the highest sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks. The anal cavity is comprised of permeable mucous membranes which can provide an entry point for infection. Due to the nature of sexual activity involving the anus, small tears and cuts are common—especially if you’re not using enough lube—so, additional points of entry present infection opportunities.

To protect yourself while having anal sex, use condoms or internal condoms with the inner ring removed.