External condoms are worn over the penis or sex toy during vaginal, anal, or oral sex and are available in a variety of sizes, textures, and colours/flavours. There are three types of external condoms: Latex Synthetic Natural Natural condoms do not protect against STBBIs. Use a latex or synthetic condom to reduce the risk of an STBBI. How effective are external condoms? With perfect use, they are 98% effective. Perfect use means using an external condom correctly each time during sexual activity. Because people aren’t perfect, external condoms can have issues such as breakage or slipping, they are actually 87% effective. That means 13 out of 100 people who use external condoms get pregnant each year. For external condoms to be most effective, it is important to use them correctly every time you have vaginal, oral, and anal sex. For a more effective option, consider an IUD or implant along with an external condom Check out this Infographic from Sex & U for more information.

Internal condoms are inserted into the vagina or anus. These types of condoms are much larger than external condoms and pre-lubricated. How effective are internal condoms? With perfect use, they are 95% effective. Perfect use means using an internal condom correctly each time during sexual activity. Because people aren’t perfect and internal condoms can have issues such as breakage or slipping, they are actually 79% effective. That means 21 out of 100 people who use internal condoms get pregnant each year. For internal condoms to be most effective, it’s important to use them correctly every time you have vaginal, oral, and anal sex. For a more effective option, consider an IUD or implant to use along with an internal condom. Check out this Infographic from Sex & U for more information.

Oral (dental) dams provide a barrier between the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus during oral sex. If an oral dam is unavailable, they can easily be made from a condom by rolling it out, cutting off the top and the ring, and then cutting along the length to form a rectangle. Use a water-based lubricant on the genital area to help keep the oral (dental) dam in place. How effective are oral (dental) dams? There is limited information on the effectiveness of oral (dental) dams, but they do reduce the risk of spreading STBBIs during oral sex. For more information visit, Planned Parenthood NL Sexual Health Centre.