Anyone who uses a condom during anal sex, vaginal sex or when using sex toys together is protected against HIV. Condom are the cheapest form of protection against HIV. They reliably protect against HIV when used correctly. The use of two condoms placed on top of each other offers no better protection – on the contrary: they may be damaged by friction. 

Important: condoms do not provide reliable protection against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhoea or hepatitis A/B. Regular testing and vaccination is the best protection here.

But not everyone can or wants to use a condom, for example because of erection problems, love, alcohol or other drugs. But there are also other ways to protect yourself.

Where can I get condoms?

Condoms are cheaply available almost everywhere: at supermarkets, pharmacies and chemists, in Selecta vending machines, in sex shops and online in the Swiss AIDS Federation shop.

What do I do if I forgot to use a condom or it breaks? 

PEP emergency treatment for HIV is available after unprotected anal or vaginal sex. To be effective, the treatment must be provided within a matter of hours. Further information is available here.

What’s important when it comes to condoms? 

• Quality: Every condom has an expiry date. A condom that has passed this date should no longer be used. It is also important to check the quality. One way is to check the certificate, either the OK quality seal or the CE symbol. Also, be aware that condoms do not tolerate heat and sun well: condoms stored in wallets or on a sunny windowsill for a day are likely to be porous and no longer safe. It is better to store condoms in a rigid container in your bag.
• Size: Condoms from all brands are available in different sizes: try them out! A condom of the right size can be easily unrolled and stays in place. Sometimes the standard size is too small or too large. But a condom has to fit well to ensure safety and be comfortable. Condoms that are too big tend to slip off, while ones that are too tight tend to overstretch and split more easily. More information is available at mysize.ch. 
• Lubricants: Lubricants facilitate penetration of the penis, fingers or sex toys during sex. When having sex with a condom, a lot of lubricant is needed so that it glides well and the condom doesn’t tear. Only water- or silicone-based lubricants are suitable for sex with condoms. Greasy or oily lubricants corrode the latex. Even without visible damage, condoms become permeable and tear more easily. Hand cream, petroleum jelly, salad oil, butter, soap and body lotion are unsuitable as lubricants with condoms.

Allergic to condoms?

 If the genitals become red and itchy after using condoms, it might be due to a latex allergy. For people with a latex allergy, there are latex-free condoms made of polyurethane or polyisoprene. 

The allergy could also be caused by the moist coating on the condoms. There are also dry condoms for this case. If in doubt, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

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