Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • If used correctly, male (or external) condoms are up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.
  • Condoms are the most effective way to reduce your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
  • Condoms can only be used once and cannot be reused.
  • Use condoms with water or silicone-based lubricants (lubes), not oil-based lubes.
  • Condoms are also the most effective way to reduce your risk of contracting sexually transmissible infections (STI).
  • Use a condom even if you or your partner are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 12-09-2022