A condom is a thin sheath made of latex or other materials. Condoms that are made of other materials may not protect against HIV infection and other STIs.
Condoms are very effective if they are used correctly every time the man has sexual intercourse.
The man puts the condom on his erect penis before he puts his penis inside the woman's vagina. The condom holds the semen so it does not pass into the woman's vagina. After sex, the man carefully takes off the condom so that it does not leak. Each condom can be used only once. View our illustrated guide to correct condom usage.