Do condoms always work?

No type of condom prevents pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) 100% of the time. For better protection from pregnancy, many couples use condoms along with another method of birth control, like birth control pills or an IUD.

Condoms are the best way to protect you from most STDs. They must be used correctly — every time you have sex. But even then, they won't protect against infections that can spread from a sore on the skin (such as during a genital herpes outbreak) if it's not covered by a condom.

To use a condom correctly:

• Make sure it is put on right side out.
• 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.
• Use only 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 are worried 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, even if you are using another form of birth control.