If you are sexually active, the best way to protect yourself against HIV and STIs is to use condoms. There are many different types of condoms but not all will protect you against HIV and STIs.

Male Condoms

The latex condom reduces the risk of most STIs including HIV and protects against pregnancy.  A polyurethane condom may also be used as is similar to the latex condom and protects against pregnancy, most STIs and HIV. These condoms can be used by people who are allergic to latex.  Natural condoms (sheepskin or lambskin) will protect against pregnancy, but they are not effective in prevention HIV and STIs.

Treat condoms gently and keep them out of the sun. With latex condoms, never use lotions, baby oil, Vaseline®: or cold cream -- the oil in these products weakens the condom. If you use a lubricant, use one made with water (such as K-Y®: jelly or glycerin). Regular use of spermicidal lubricants should be avoided as they may cause skin irritation. Put the condom on before the penis touches the vagina, mouth or anus.

Hold the condom by the tip to squeeze out the air. Leave some space at the tip to hold the ejaculate (cum). Unroll the condom all the way over the erect penis. After sex, the man should hold the condom at the rim and pull out slowly while the penis is still hard.

Use a new condom if you want to have sex again or if you want to have sex in a different place (for example, in the anus and then in the vagina).

Female condoms

The female condom is a polyurethane (plastic) pouch that fits inside a woman's vagina. It has a soft ring on each end. The outer ring stays on the outside of the vagina and partly covers the labia (lips). The inner ring fits on the inside of the vagina, somewhat like a diaphragm, to hold the condom in place. The female condom covers more skin than the male condoms, so there is more STI protection. 

Insert the condom any time before the penis touches the vagina. Add lubricant to the inside of the condom. Squeeze the inner ring of the condom. Put the inner ring and pouch inside the vagina.

With your finger, push the inner ring as far into the vagina as it will go. The outer ring stays outside the vagina. Guide the penis into the condom. Remove the condom before standing up. Pull out gently.

Should I use a spermicide with a condom?

Most spermicides and some condoms contain a chemical called nonoxynol-9, which was once thought to help prevent HIV transmission. Recent data has shown that nonoxynol-9 does not reduce the risk of HIV transmission and may actually increase it by irritating the penis or vagina. Irritation of the skin may make it easier for HIV to be transmitted. Using a condom and a spermicide together can maximize your HIV and STI protection as long as the spermicide does not contain nonoxynol-9.

How does the government ensure the quality of condoms?

Condoms sold in Canada are regulated by Health Canada. They set regulations that condom manufacturers and importers must meet. This involves meeting standards for design, length, width, and tests for leakage and bursting.

How do I use a condom safely?

1. Never use a condom past its expiry date.
2. Store condoms at room temperature. Never leave a condom in a hot place such as your wallet or car.
3. Do not use your fingernails or teeth when opening a condom wrapper because you could tear the condom. If the condom does tear, throw it away and use a new one.
4. Always throw away a condom after it has been used; never reuses a condom.
5. Do not use oil-based products such as baby or cooking oils, hand lotion or petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) as lubricants with latex condoms because oil weakens latex and can cause it to break. Some oil based products can be used with polyurethane condoms.
6. When choosing a condom make sure that the package says that it protects against pregnancy and STIs.

How effective are condoms?

Condom breakage rates are less than 2%, and almost all are due to incorrect usage such as:

• not leaving an air space
• improper storage
• tearing by fingernails or jewelry
• expiry date past
• inadequate lubrication
• wrong type of lubricant

Will other contraceptives protect me against HIV and STI's?

Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, Sponge

• A diaphragm is a round, flexible disk that covers the cervical area and is inserted into the vagina before intercourse. It is reusable and must be fitted by a doctor. The diaphragm must be coated with spermicide before intercourse.
• The cervical cap is smaller than the diaphragm and covers only the cervix, but it is used in the same way as the diaphragm
• The vaginal contraceptive sponge is a sponge that contains spermicide to kill sperm. The sponge will protect against chlamydia and gonorrhea, but it increase the risk for yeast infection.
• Although they may offer some protection against STIs, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges should not be relied on to protect women against HIV infection.
• A latex or polyurethane condom will offer better protection than these methods

How can I protect myself when having oral sex?

If you are going to be performing oral sex on a man, the best way to protect yourself is to use a latex or polyurethane male condom. Flavoured latex condoms are available and are safe as long as the package says that it offers HIV/STI protection. If you are going to be having oral-anal sex or performing oral sex on a woman, the best way to protect yourself against HIV and STIs is to use a dental dam, or a cut open condom.

Dental Dam - A dental dam is a 6 by 6 inch piece of latex that is normally used in dentistry for various dental procedures; however, it is also an effective barrier that can prevent against HIV and STIs. The dam is placed directly over the vagina while giving a woman oral sex (cunnilingus), or over the rectum while engaging in oral-anal sex (rimming). Dental dams are very effective, but they also have some problems as very few places sell them, you cannot see through them, and since they are made of latex, they have a taste that many people do not like.  Select stores may also sell flavoured dental dams.

Cut Open Condom - a condom can also be made into a dam by cutting of the tip and the end, and then cutting lengthwise, so it opens up into a square. Use a condom that isn't lubricated with spermicide because you'll be putting your mouth on it.

Make sure your mouth only touches one side of the dental dam, and the anus or genitals of your partner touches only the other side. Do not use the same dam to perform cunnilingus that you use for anilingus. Only use a dam once, always use a new one each time you have oral-genital or oral-anal sex.