References
[1] “Chapter 14 – Male Condoms.” Family Planning, A Global Handbook for Providers, 2022, fphandbook.org/chapter-14-male-condoms. Accessed August 2023.
[2] “How Effective?” Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, 2022, fphandbook.org/how-effective-7. Accessed August 2023.
[3] “Canadian Contraception Consensus Chapter 5: Barrier Methods.” JOGC, 2015, www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(16)39376-8/pdf. Accessed August 2023.
[4] “Male (External) Condom Use.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/external-condom-use.html. Accessed August 2023.
[5] Shoupe, D. “Barrier Contraceptives: Male Condoms, Vaginal Spermicides, and Cervical Barrier Methods.” The Handbook of Contraception: A Guide for Practical Management, 2016, eknygos.lsmuni.lt/springer/677/147-177.pdf. Acccessed August 2023.
External Condom Infographic
Explore everything you need to know about the external condom in this easy-to-follow infographic. Learn how it is used, how it works, its effectiveness, advantages, and disadvantages. Whether you’re considering using an external condom or just curious, this visual guide provides a clear and concise overview of its key features. Scroll down for more details!
Where can I get external condoms?
External condoms are widely available in most countries across the globe. They can be accessed from general stores; local, youth-friendly health centers; drug stores; and online stores. However, the availability of specific types and brands varies from country to country. Inquire about your options at your local health facilities or visit our Contraceptive By Country section to learn more about the options available in your country. You can also search for external condom sellers near you by visiting the Contraceptive Services Near Me section of our website.
Looking for more information about the external condom? Explore our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Are there any side effects of using an external condom?
The external condom is not ideal if you are allergic to latex. Only 1 or 2 out of 100 people are allergic. If you are one of them, you will need to use a nonlatex external condom, which is sometimes expensive or unavailable in some places. If you cannot find nonlatex condoms, try another method.
– Using external condoms requires some effort and commitment. For it to be effective, it must be slipped on the penis correctly every time, no matter what.
– External condoms may take sexual agency away from one partner. In some situations, it can be difficult for female partners to demand that their male partners use a condom every time and correctly.
– External condoms are less effective at protecting you from STIs that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including HPV and herpes.
– Lambskin condoms only block sperm and do not offer protection from STIs. Laboratory tests have indicated that viruses like hepatitis B, herpes simplex, and HIV can penetrate through the pores of a lambskin condom.
– Novelty condoms, like the ones found in sex toy stores or catalogs, are sometimes made from a material that doesn’t protect you from pregnancy or STIs. These types of condoms must not be used at the same time as a latex condom because they tend to weaken the latex.
– Although latex condoms expire within three to five years, they may deteriorate in high temperatures (above 40 degrees Celsius) and humid or moist storage conditions, or when exposed to oil-based lubricants.
– Some people may be sensitive to certain brands of lubricant found in condoms. If you are sensitive, try another brand.
– Some men complain that condoms reduce sensitivity (5).
– Condoms can be hard to remember to use if you are drunk. You are more likely to remember them if you have them available all the time.
What are the benefits of using an external condom? Condom benefits
– Effectiveness. When used properly, 98 of every 100 individuals will manage to prevent pregnancy. But most people do not use condoms perfectly – due to this, only 82 of every 100 individuals using this method will manage to avoid pregnancy.
– STI protection. Most external condoms help protect against STIs, including HIV. However, the genital section that is not covered by the condom may allow for skin-to-skin transmission of viral or bacterial infections.
– They may help with premature ejaculation.
– They can increase sexual arousal and desire before penetration. If you feel comfortable talking with your partner about sex, it is important to discuss how you can use a condom to increase pleasure in your sexual experience.
– They may help sex last longer. External condoms can decrease sensitivity. In some cases, that can be a good thing. (If you experience premature ejaculation, condoms may help sex last longer.)
– No prescription is necessary.
– They are cheap and easy to find. Latex condoms are inexpensive, and sometimes you can get them for free. You can find them just about everywhere and there are many different kinds available.
– They (nonlatex condoms) transmit more body heat and allow more sensitivity during sex. Polyurethane (nonlatex) condoms are known to also have a thinner feel with a better fit. Unlike latex condoms, they are more resistant to deterioration and can be used with oil-based lubricants.
– They can be used as a dental dam. A dental dam is a thin sheet of latex or polyurethane that is used to reduce the risk of spreading STIs through oral sex. It acts as a barrier between your mouth and your partner’s genitals or anus.
How to use an external condom
If you are using external condoms alone as your regular contraceptive, you have to remember to use one every single time you have sex.
The first thing you need to do is purchase an appropriately sized condom in your preferred style and then check the date of expiry. Expired condoms break easily, and using an expired condom exposes you to the risk of infection or pregnancy.
How to put on a condom
– As soon as the penis is erect, unwrap the condom. Be careful not to tear it when you are unwrapping it. If it is torn, brittle, or stiff, throw it away and use another one.
– Hold about a half-inch of the tip of the condom between your thumb and index finger, then pinch the air out. The extra space at the tip helps to collect the semen after penis ejaculation.
– Place the open side of the condom on top of the penis and unroll it over the penis as far as it will go. If you find it hard to roll it, put a drop or two of non-oil-based lube inside the condom. It will help it slide on, and it will make things more pleasurable for your partner. Your partner can also help you put on the condom. If the penis is not circumcised, it is important to pull back the foreskin before rolling on the condom.
– Smooth out any air bubbles that get into the condom. Air bubbles can cause condoms to break.
– If you like, you can apply more water-based lube outside the condom to help prevent chafing.
Now, you are ready to have protected sex!
How to remove a condom
– Soon after ejaculation, hold the top part of the condom firmly against the still-erect penis and ensure that it remains in place as the penis is withdrawn. Make sure the penis is out before it goes soft.
– Hold on to the base of the condom while you pull out. This will help prevent semen from spilling out of the condom.
– To keep the semen inside the condom, tie a knot at the end of the open side.
– Check the condom for any holes or damage. If you notice any damage or if the condom slipped out during intercourse, a female partner should consider taking emergency contraception (within 72 hours). If you are worried about whether the sex was safe, make an appointment for a sexually transmitted infection screening and any other necessary safety procedure, such as taking Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). The same caution should be taken if a condom slips off during sex.
– Wrap the condom with tissue paper and throw it in a garbage can or a pit latrine (where available). Do not flush it down the toilet as it will block it. Always remember to keep the condom away from children and pets.
– Wash the penis with soap and water before having sex again (3).
Additional tips for using a condom correctly
External condoms are pretty easy to use, but here are some tips to help you use them properly:
– Use a condom every time you have sex.
– Always read the package instructions and remember to check the expiry date. An expired or damaged condom will break easily.
– Always make sure to check for tears or damage before using a condom.
– Make sure the condom is on before the penis touches your partner’s vulva. Pre-cum – the fluid that leaks from a penis before a man ejaculates – can contain sperm from a previous ejaculation.
– Don’t use more than one condom at the same time. Using more than one condom does not provide extra protection. Instead, it makes it easier for the condom to slip off and this increases the risk of pregnancy or an STI.
– Avoid using oil-based products with a condom, such as lotion, baby oil, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil. They will cause the condom to break.
– Never reuse a condom. Use only one condom per erection and have extra condoms available.
– Always store your condoms in a cool, dry place.
– AVOID storing condoms in your wallet. Friction and heat caused by movement can damage them (4).
External condoms
What are external condoms?
External condoms, sometimes referred to as male condoms, “umbrellas,” “raincoats,” “skins,” or “prophylactics” are coverings or sheaths that are worn over an erect penis to prevent sperm in the condom from getting inside the vagina, anus, or mouth. Considered the best barrier contraceptive, they are one of the most popular methods used to prevent pregnancies and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Just slip it on an erect penis or over a sex toy before any kind of sexual penetration.
External condoms come in hundreds of shapes and sizes, and you can buy them with lube or without. The most common external condoms are made from latex, but condoms can be made from other materials, including lambskin, nitrile, polyurethane, and polyisoprene.
Some external condoms are coated with spermicide – a chemical that kills sperm. Spermicide-coated condoms are not recommended for oral or anal sex. If you or your partner are sensitive to spermicide, look for spermicide-free condoms.
How do external condoms work?
The external condom prevents pregnancy by creating a barrier that stops sperm from getting inside the vagina. It also prevents infections from the penis, semen, vulva, vagina, or anus from being passed on to a partner.
For the greatest effectiveness, the external condom requires correct usage with every sex act (1).
Types of external condoms
Latex condoms. Latex condoms are made of rubber and can stretch up to 800%. These are the most common condoms. Do not use them with oil-based lubricants as they can cause the condom to break or slip, increasing your risk of pregnancy or STIs.
Nonlatex condoms. If you are allergic to latex or prefer oil-based lube, then look for nonlatex condoms. They are usually made from polyisoprene (synthetic rubber) or polyurethane (plastic). Like the latex condom, they can protect you from both pregnancy and STIs. For these types of condoms, you can use either oil- or water-based lubricants. In general, water-based lubricants are recommended when you’re using condoms and they can enhance sexual pleasure.
Animal-skin condoms. Also known as lambskin condoms, they are made from the lining of animals’ intestines. They are a good alternative for people who are allergic to latex condoms. However, be aware that they help to prevent a pregnancy but cannot protect from STIs. With this type of condom, you can use either water- or oil-based lubricants.
How effective are external condoms?
The effectiveness of an external condom is highly dependent on how you use it. You are at higher risk of pregnancy and/or getting a sexually transmitted infection when you don’t use condoms during every sex act. Condom-related pregnancies are caused by incorrect usage, breakage, or slippage.
As commonly used, 13 out of 100 women using the external condom as a contraceptive method end up pregnant within the first year of usage. This translates to 87% effectiveness with common usage. With perfect usage, only 2 out of 100 women using external condoms as their contraceptive end up pregnant within the first year of usage. This translates to 98% effectiveness when used during every sex act and in the correct way.
When used consistently and correctly during vaginal or anal sex, condoms decrease the risk of becoming infected with STIs. With perfect usage, male condoms are 80–95% effective in reducing HIV transmission that would have occurred if a condom was not used.
Proper use of external condoms reduces the risk of getting infected with both the STIs transmitted through discharge (chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV) and those transmitted through skin-to-skin contact (human papillomavirus and herpes) (2).