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Wear a condom

There is always a lot of debate when it comes to wearing condoms during sex. Many people ask why should I use one? A better question is: why wouldn’t you?

Why wear a condom?

Condoms are one of the cheapest and most widely available forms of contraception. They are also the easiest way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. Some of the most common diseases affecting both men and women in South Africa are sexually transmitted – whether this is HIV/ AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections STIs. Wearing a condom can protect you from all these diseases.

Condoms can help to prevent cervical cancer in women by preventing infection with HPV (human papilloma virus). Condoms are an affordable and easy way to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, dual protection is recommended for sexually active persons.

Top tip

Dual protection is the best way to prevent pregnancy (apart from not having sex). Dual protection is when a woman uses another type of contraception such as oral pills (‘the pill’) as well as using a condom.

You don’t need a prescription for a condom and you can get them for free from your local clinic. You can get male and female condoms for free at all public health primary care facilities in Cape Town.

Here are some points on responsible condom use:

If you are going to use a lubricant, make sure it is water-based. Oil-based lubricants (e.g. baby oil, Vaseline, hand cream) can cause the condom to break.
Condoms should be stored in a dry, cool place – never in your wallet or any other small, warm space.
Read the label to be sure and always check that the condom is SABS approved.
Do not re-use condoms. Put on a new condom before having sex again.
Use condoms with oral and anal sex to protect yourself against STIs.
Condoms may mean some decreased sensitivity for men but that doesn’t mean that there is no sensation at all - condoms can actually help men who have problems with early (premature) ejaculation.
Condoms are generally one-size-fits-all - few men are too large or too small for the average condom.
Condoms can be bought almost anywhere, but they are also available for free at all public health primary care facilities in Cape Town and many other outreach venues.

Other forms of contraception

Our table below outlines some of the most common types of contraception, aside from condoms.

**Types of contraception (“birth control”)**
Oral hormone pills for women	Commonly known as ‘the pill’ and taken daily. Does not prevent STIs.
Hormone Injection for women	Given every eight weeks or every 12 weeks (depending on type) by a health care professional. Does not prevent STIs.
Intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) – also know as ‘the loop’ for women	A small device that is put into a women's uterus (womb) by a trained health worker. An IUD can prevent pregnancy for at least five years. Does not prevent STIs.
Hormone implant for women	This is inserted into the arm and can prevent pregnancy for up to three years. Does not prevent STIs.
Sterilization for men and women	This surgical procedure – known as a vasectomy (for men) or tubal ligation (or having your “tubes tied” for women) – is a permanent contraceptive method. Does not prevent STIs.

[Sources: Western Cape Government Department of Health, World Health Organization (WHO)]

For more information on contraception and which type may be suitable for you, Western Cape Government has a wealth of information on hand.

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