Carrying condoms, dams and lube with you means you'll never be caught in an awkward moment. You can relax and focus on the fun without the worry.
What's more awkward than asking someone to wear a condom?
Finding out you have an STI
STIs can spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Most of the time STIs don't show symptoms, which makes it hard to know if you or the person you're having sex with have one without testing. You can't tell if someone has an STI just by looking at their body.
This is why you should use condoms.
Condoms – both male and female types – are the only type of contraception that help prevent both STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
A dental dam is a flat square of latex that can prevent STIs when you're having oral sex.
Other contraceptives – like the pill, an IUD or a diaphragm - can prevent unplanned pregnancies, but they don’t protect against STIs.
A healthy, confident sex life means using condoms and getting regular STI tests.
While condoms are 98% effective, they can’t protect you from all STIs. Herpes, genital warts and syphilis can spread from skin-to-skin contact with any infected area on the body, including parts that aren’t covered by a condom.
If you’re having oral, anal or vaginal sex, always use a condom and get tested every 6 to 12 months. Get tested more often if you’re having sex with someone new, with a lot of different people or if you have any symptoms.
Remember, condoms don’t have to be a mood killer.
Using condoms shows you’re taking control of your health and wellbeing, and can help you enjoy sex without worrying about STIs or pregnancy.
Learning how to talk about condoms and how to use condoms properly will help you overcome anxieties about using them.
When to use a condom?
If you’re having any kind of sex – vaginal, anal or oral – use a condom to protect you and your sexual partner.
Last updated: April 2024