WHAT ARE CONDOMS?

A condom is a tube made of thin, flexible material. It is closed at one end. Condoms have been used for hundreds of years to prevent pregnancy by keeping a man's semen out of a woman's vagina. Condoms also help prevent diseases that are spread by semen or by contact with infected sores in the genital area, including HIV.

WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF?


Condoms used to be made of natural skin (including lambskin) or of rubber. That's why they are called "rubbers". Most condoms today are latex or polyurethane.

Lambskin condoms can prevent pregnancy. However, they have tiny holes (pores) that are large enough for HIV to get through. Lambskin condoms do not prevent the spread of HIV.

Latex is the most common material for condoms. Viruses can not get through it. Latex is inexpensive and available in many styles. It has two drawbacks: oils make it fall apart, and some people are allergic to it.

Polyurethane is an option for people who are allergic to latex. One brand of female condom and one brand of male condom are made of polyurethane.

CONDOM MYTHS

• Condoms don't work: Condoms prevent HIV transmission very well if they are used correctly every time you have sex.
• Condoms break a lot: Less than 2% of condoms break when they are used correctly: no oils with latex condoms, no double condoms, no outdated condoms.
• HIV can get through condoms: HIV can not get through latex or polyurethane condoms. Don't use lambskin condoms.