Condoms

• Condoms are a simple and cheap way to protect yourself effectively against HIV.
• Use condoms during anal and vaginal sex if you don’t know whether the person you’re having sex with can transmit HIV.
• Always use a condom when paying for sex – including for oral sex.
• When having sex with several people simultaneously, use a new condom for each orifice and/or each change of partner.
• Condoms also provide reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy.

Using a condom also slightly reduces the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections. However, condoms only provide reliable protection against HIV, not other STIs. Inform yourself when you need to get an STI test.

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• Use the right-sized condoms so they don’t slip off or tear.
• Check the ”CE” marking or “OK” quality seal and expiry date.
• Store condoms carefully so the packaging doesn’t get damaged. Don’t store them where exposed to sunlight or in your wallet.
• Only use water-based or silicone-based lubricant with latex condoms.
• Oil-based lubricant damages latex, so hand cream, Vaseline, edible oil, butter, soap and body lotion are not suitable for use as lubricants with latex condoms.
• If you‘re having sex with several people simultaneously, use a new condom for each orifice and/or each change of partner.
• Learn how to use condoms correctly – for example by reading the instructions on the pack or here. Try it out before using it for the first time.

Under certain conditions, you can do without a condom as protection against HIV:

• You only have sex with one person who only has sex with you – and you’ve both done an HIV test to rule out an infection.
• You’re living with HIV and following a successful course of therapy, in other words therapy that prevents transmission.
• The person you’re having sex with is living with HIV and following a successful course of therapy, in other words therapy that prevents transmission. However, you can’t tell by looking at someone whether their HIV therapy is currently successful, nor can you tell what their HIV status is. If you don’t have HIV and want to have anal or vaginal intercourse without a condom outside of a steady relationship, the best way to protect yourself from HIV is with PrEP.
• You’re using PrEP.