How Effective Are Condoms?
Condoms are effective in preventing STDs and pregnancy. If you follow the instructions on the packaging and use them every time you have anal, vaginal and oral sex, there are little chances of getting pregnant or giving/getting an STD.
Are condoms effective against pregnancy?
If you use a condom every time you have sex, it has a 98% theoretical effectiveness rate of preventing pregnancy. Since people do make mistakes and do not use a condom properly, the effectiveness rate of condoms is around 82%.
- 18 out of 100 people will give pregnant each year if they use a condom (as the only birth control method)
Practice makes perfect when it comes to putting on a condom. The more practice you have the better you will get at it. There is only a small chance you will get pregnant if you use a condom the right way.
If you want to protect yourself further, check out other birth control methods.
How to make condoms more effective
The best way to make condoms more effective is by using it the right away and every time you have intercourse. This includes wearing a condom from start to finish and not taking it off half way through. Also make sure the condom is rolled onto your penis before there is any contact with the vagina (or any body parts).
To increase the effectiveness of a condom, make sure you use it in addition to other birth control methods. This will give you protection against STDs and increased protection against pregnancy. Also using the withdrawal method while wearing a condom can help keep sperm out of the vagina and protect against pregnancy.
You shouldn’t wear two condoms for added protection. This means that a female condom and a male condom should not be used at the same time. This will not give you extra protection and thus less effective. If you use one condom correctly, it will give you the protection you need.