Condoms provide the best available protection against Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms and other barrier methods are not 100 percent effective in preventing sexual dysfunction.
Always use a new, lubricated condom every time you have sex. Check the date of use and if the packet is lost, be careful not to tear the condom with fingernails, jewellery or teeth.
If the condom does not completely cover the infected area, having sex using a condom can spread the infection. For example, some infections such as pubic lice, scabies, genital warts and ringworm are spread by skin-to-skin contact. Condoms offer some protection against these sexually transmitted diseases, but do not provide complete protection because they do not cover the entire genital skin area.
sexually transmitted diseases can be spread through kissing.
Some factors that increase your chances of having unprotected sex include:
- being intoxicated (which may cause you to be less careful)
- using recreational drugs
- feeling pressured to have sex
- Thinking it’s okay ‘just this once’
- Believing that you can tell if someone has a disease
Hormonal contraceptives, such as the oral contraceptive pill, only provide protection against unplanned pregnancy. They do not provide any protection against sexual dysfunction.