Condoms and Barriers

Condoms and barriers help keep you safe during sexual activity. They lower the chance
of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

External condoms and internal condoms help protect against both STIs and pregnancy. Barriers, like dental dams, only help protect against STIs. They do not prevent pregnancy.

Safety Dos and DON'Ts

DO

DON'T

  • DO use a new condom or barrier each time you have sex, for the whole time you’re having sex.
  • DO call your doctor if a condom or barrier breaks. They can help with STI protection and emergency birth control.
  • DO stop and replace a condom or barrier right away that slips or breaks.
  • DO store condoms and barriers in a cool, dry place.
  • DO read the package instructions before using condoms and barriers.
  • DO choose the right condom size.
  • DO use water- or silicone-based lube if needed.
  • DON’T reuse condoms or barriers.
  • DON’T use an external and internal condom at the same time.
  • DON’T open wrappers with sharp objects or your teeth.
  • DON’T store condoms and barriers in wallets, pockets, cars, or bathrooms.
  • DON’T unroll a condom before putting it on.
  • DON’T flush condoms or barriers down the toilet.
  • DON’T use latex condoms or barriers if you have a latex allergy.  

Lubrication

  • Lube (lubricant) is a liquid or gel that helps reduce rubbing (friction) during sexual activity. Too much friction can make condoms and barriers slip or break.
  • Only use water- or silicone-based lube. Do not use Vaseline®, petroleum jelly, hair oil, or baby oil. These can make condoms slip or break.
  • Some condoms already have lube on them. You can add more if needed.

Where to Get Condoms

  • You can buy condoms online and at pharmacies or grocery stores, like Amazon®, Walmart®, Target®, CVS®, or Walgreens®.
  • Some clinics and community centers, like local health departments, offer them for free. We also provide free condoms at Nationwide Children’s.
  • If you’re over the age of 16 and live in Ohio, you can sign up for the Free Condom Project at OHIV - Free Condoms to have condoms mailed to your home.

Types of Condoms and Barriers

There are different types of condoms and barriers. Each one helps lower the risk of STIs, and some also help prevent pregnancy.

The most common types include:

  • External condom: Worn on the penis to help prevent STIs and pregnancy.
  • Internal condom: Worn inside the vagina to help prevent STIs and pregnancy.
  • Dental dam: A thin sheet placed over the vulva or anus during oral sex to help prevent STIs. These do not prevent pregnancy.

Using a Condom

Ask your doctor or health care provider for education about condoms.

 

 

Helping Hands™ Patient Education Materials

Helping Hands™ are easy-to-read guides about different illnesses, therapies, surgeries, and more. They’re created by the Patient Education team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and are reviewed and approved by clinical staff, like nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and psychologists. Nationwide Children's Hospital is not responsible for misuse of information in patient education materials, including Helping Hands.

HH-IV-46 | ©1979, revised 2026, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

You Might Also Be Interested In

Synthetic marijuana
Blog

What Parents Need to Know About the Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana
image of two pairs of feet facing each other
Blog

7 Ways for Parents to Support Their Child In Their First Relationship
Wooden carving of a duck in the hallway of Nationwide Children's Hospital
Condition

Syphilis