Are condoms 100% effective?

No condom prevents
pregnancy or sexually
transmitted diseases
(STDs) 100% of the time.
But if you and your
partner are having sex,
nothing protects against
STDs better than a
properly used condom.
For those having sex,
condoms must always be
used to protect against
STDs even when using
another method of birth
control. They must be
used correctly and must
be used every time you
have sex. Even when used
correctly, condoms do
not protect against
infections spread from
sores on the skin not
covered by a condom
(such as the base of the
penis or scrotum).
Using a condom correctly
doesn't only mean
putting it on right side
out. You should also:

Check the expiration
date (condoms can
dry and crack if
they're old).

Choose condoms
made of latex, which
is thought to be most
effective in preventing
STDs. If one of you
has an allergy to
latex, use
polyurethane
condoms instead.
Keep condoms away
from heat and light,
which can make them
more likely to break.

Only use water-based
lubricants with
condoms. Shortening,
lotion, petroleum
jelly, or baby oil can
break down the
condom.

Open the condom
packet with your
hands, not your
teeth, and open it
carefully so you don't
tear the condom.

Choose a condom
with a reservoir tip to
catch semen after
ejaculation. Lightly
pinch the top of the
condom and place it
at the top of your (or
your partner's) penis.
This gets rid of
trapped air, which
can cause a condom
to burst.

Roll the condom
down until it's
completely rolled out
— if it's inside out,
throw it away and
start over.

When you're done,
you (or your partner)
should withdraw
while holding the
condom at the base
of the penis to
prevent the condom
from slipping off.
If a condom breaks or
slips off and you or your
partner is concerned
about pregnancy, call
your health care provider
or pharmacist to discuss
emergency
contraception. And both
partners should be
tested for STDs.

While condoms aren't
perfect, if you're going to
have sex, they are the
best way to protect
yourself.