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Males accounted for 73% of new HIV infections in 2006. Females accounted for 27%.
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When used consistently and correctly, condoms are highly effective in preventing infection with HIV. If you are sexually active, latex condoms provide the best protection against HIV infection. Polyurethane or plastic condoms may also be used. Natural membrane (such as lambskin) condoms are porous and therefore do not offer the same level of protection against HIV and other STDs.
Male latex condoms, placed over the penis, offer greater protection than female condoms. However, using a female condom is better than not using any form of protection at all. Condoms should be used consistently—EVERY time you have sex. For condoms to be effective, they must be taken out of the wrapper and used! Be sure not to tear the condom when opening the wrapper. Open the wrapper carefully with your hands—never use your teeth. And always use a NEW condom with every act of vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
To use a male condom correctly
- Put the condom on the tip of the erect penis with the rolled side out before the penis comes into contact with the genitals, mouth, or anus.
- If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, pinch the tip, leaving a half-inch space for semen to collect.
- Holding the tip, unroll the condom all the way to the base of the erect penis.
- After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, hold the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw.
- Gently pull the condom off the penis, making sure that semen doesn't spill out.
- Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash where others won't handle it.
- If you feel the condom break at any point during sexual activity, stop immediately, withdraw, remove the broken condom, and put on a new condom.
- Ensure that adequate lubrication is used during vaginal and anal sex.
- Use water-based lubricants such as K-Y Jelly™, Astroglide™, AquaLube™, and glycerin.
- Oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, shortening, mineral oil, massage oils, body lotions, and cooking oil should not be used because they can weaken latex, causing the condom to break or tear.
- Use a new condom for every act of anal, vaginal, and oral sex—from start to finish.
To use a female condom correctly
- Put lubricant on the outside of the closed end.
- Squeeze together the sides of the inner ring of the condom and insert it into the vagina like a tampon.
- With your finger, push the inner ring into the vagina as far as it will go.
- The inner ring will stay in place, kind of like a diaphragm.
- Pull out your finger, allowing the outer ring to stay outside the vagina.
- Guide the penis into the condom.
- Pull out gently.
- Remove the condom before standing up.
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| U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention V 1.09.10.01 |
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