The main reasons condoms sometimes fail are due to inconsistent or incorrect use:
• Consistent use means using a new condom every time you have sex. Never reuse a condom.
• Correct use includes putting the condom on and taking it off correctly and using a water-based lubricant (like glycerin, K-Y®, or Astroglide®) with the male condom to prevent breakage. Oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline), cold cream, hand lotion and baby oil all can weaken the
male condom, causing it to break (see question 45 in the booklet). Female
condoms can be used with water or oil-based lubricants.
For people who are allergic to latex, female condoms (see question 46 in the booklet) and male condoms made of polyurethane are available. Male condoms made of natural lambskin are not effective protection against HIV. Lambskin condoms prevent pregnancy by acting as a barrier to sperm, but HIV is much smaller than sperm and can pass through the tiny pores in a lambskin condom.
The protection provided by condoms is affected by how you store them, how carefully you open the package and put them on, correct usage, quality control by the manufacturer, and other factors. In general, male condoms break or slip off more often during anal sex than during vaginal or oral sex. Female condoms should only be used for vaginal sex.
