Male Condom

How well does it work?

The male condom is 85-98% effective at preventing pregnancy.

How to use?

• Use a new condom each time you have sex
• Use a polyurethane condom if allergic to latex

What are the advantages?

• Can buy at many stores
• Can put on as part of sex play/foreplay
• Can help prevent early ejaculation
• Protects against HIV and many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Can be used while breastfeeding

What are the disadvantages?

• Can decrease sensation
• Can cause loss of erection
• Can break or slip off

Female Condom

How well does it work?

Female condoms are 79-95% effective at preventing pregnancy.

How to use?

• Use a new condom each time you have sex
• Use extra lubrication as needed

What are the advantages?

• Can buy at many stores
• Can put in as part of sex play/foreplay
• Good for people with latex allergy
• Protects against HIV and other STIs
• Can be used while breastfeeding

What are the disadvantages?

• May be noisy
• May be hard to insert
• May slip out of place during sex

Diaphragm

How well does it work?

A diaphragm is 84-94% effective at preventing pregnancy.

How to use?

• Must be used each time you have sex
• Must be used with spermicide
• A health care provider will fit you and show you how to use it

What are the advantages?

• Can last several years
• Costs very little to use
• May protect against some infections (NOT HIV)
• Can be used while breastfeeding

What are the disadvantages?

• Using spermicide nonoxynol-9 may raise the risk of getting HIV
• Should not be used with vaginal bleeding or infection
• Raises risk of bladder infection