High-quality condoms, when used consistently and correctly, provide an excellent barrier against pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that correct and consistent use of condoms can have between a 95% and 98% contraceptive efficacy rate. The success of any form of contraception depends not only on the method, but also the consistency of use. Please see our Education section for more information on proper condom usage.

Although condoms do provide protection against getting pregnant, they also carry a 15% failure rate. Depending on your age and how consistently you use condoms, the chances of becoming pregnant could be higher. To increase your protection against pregnancy, use condoms along with another form of birth control, like the sponge. It is important to note, though, that condoms containing spermicide have not been found to be any more effective at preventing pregnancy than non-spermicidal condoms. See similar questions...

Health authorities say that latex condoms are highly effective when used consistently and correctly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using latex condoms (or dental dams) whenever having oral, anal, or vaginal sex. If a lubricant is used, it should be a water-based lubricant. See similar questions...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that correct and consistent use of a latex barrier for protection during sex greatly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV. Knowing how to use a latex barrier correctly is important. Failure is largely due to incorrect or inconsistent use. Make sure that the barrier is latex or polyurethane; natural or lambskin have pores that HIV is able to pass through. See similar questions...

Studies have shown that latex condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV transmission when used consistently and correctly. These studies looked at uninfected people considered to be at very high risk of infection because they were involved in sexual relationships with HIV-infected people. The studies found that even with repeated sexual contact, 98-100 percent of those people who used latex condoms correctly and consistently did not become infected. See similar questions...

If you are contemplating on taking birth control, vasectomy is considered the safest, most effective kind. An average of only 15 out of 10,000 couples get pregnant the first year after a vasectomy. See similar questions...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that correct and consistent use of a latex barrier for protection during sex greatly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV. Knowing how to use a latex barrier correctly is important. Failure is largely due to incorrect or inconsistent use. Make sure that the barrier is latex or polyurethane—natural or lambskin have pores that HIV is able to pass through, and should not be used. See similar questions...

Studies have shown that latex condoms are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV when used consistently and properly. Latex condoms have been shown to be 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission. See similar questions...

When it comes to STDs the effectiveness of condoms varies for each disease. In the case of HPV, if you always use condoms for vaginal sex, you can cut your chance of getting HPV by about half. To date, there is no evidence that condoms reduce your chance of getting HPV during oral or anal sex. HPV can be contracted through genital skin-to-skin contact (rubbing genitals together). A condom only protects a portion of the genital area, leaving you at risk for contracting HPV and other STDs. See similar questions...

Yes, because they reduce the risk of STD/RTI and HIV infection during sex. For condoms to be effective, the user must Withdraw before the erection is lost. Hold the base of the condom tightly against the penis while withdrawing." See similar questions...