Safe sex using condoms
It is important to practise safe sex, both to avoid unwanted pregnancies and to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmissible infection (STI) such as chlamydia, genital herpes, hepatitis, gonorrhoea or HIV.
A woman taking an oral contraceptive pill will not be protected against STIs, only against pregnancy.
Both male and female condoms protect against STIs as well as pregnancy. The chance of becoming pregnant while using a male condom is 2 to 15 per cent, depending on how carefully it is used. The chance of becoming pregnant while using a female condom is comparable.
If you have unprotected sex or you think the condom might have failed, see a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Emergency contraception (the 'morning after pill') is available without a prescription, but must be used within 120 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. You may also need to be checked for STIs.
Condoms
Condoms provide a physical barrier to sperm and STIs, but their effectiveness depends on their correct use. Condoms should always be stored away from heat and sunlight, and should be discarded if they are beyond their expiry date.
Condoms may be damaged by heat or if they are handled roughly. Male condoms may also be damaged if the vagina is too dry or they are used for anal sex, so you may need a lubricant. As most male condoms are made of fine latex rubber, lubricants for male condoms should be water-based. Suitable lubricants include Ansell Personal Lubricant, K-Y Jelly and Wet Stuff.
Vaginal antifungal creams can damage condoms and diaphragms. Unsuitable lubricants (such as baby or cooking oils and massage oil) may also damage condoms. Petroleum jelly or butter can destroy the condom barrier within 60 seconds so these should NOT be used.
The female condom is made of polyurethane rather than latex and is pre-lubricated with a silicon-based lubricant.
Further information
For further information on reproductive and sexual health information, call the FPA (Family Planning Association) Healthline on 1300 65 88 86.
Last Reviewed: 01 December 2010
- 1. Family Planning NSW. The male condom: fact sheet. http://www.fpnsw.org.au/fs.020_male_condom08.pdf (accessed Dec 2010).
2. Family Planning NSW. The female condom: fact sheet. http://www.fpnsw.org.au/fs.003female_con_08.pdf (accessed Dec 2010).
3. Contraceptive failure rates (revised Jun 2009). In: eTG complete [Internet]. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2010 Nov. http://online.tg.org.au/complete/ (accessed Dec 2010).
