Health Promotion

Quick Facts

• What they are: A barrier method of birth control that blocks sperm from reaching eggs. Worn on the penis (external) or inside the vagina (internal).

• STI protection: Only method that helps prevent both pregnancy and most STIs. (⚠️ Lambskin/natural condoms block pregnancy but not STIs.)

• Effectiveness: About 98% effective with perfect use, ~87% with typical use.

• Hormone-free: Great option if you want birth control without hormones.

• Use: One-time use only — must be used correctly every time to work.

• Variety: Available in different sizes, materials, colors, flavors, textures, with or without lube.

• Pro tip: Can be paired with another method (like birth control pills) for extra protection.

External Condom Use 101

• Check expiration date + open carefully

• Make sure it’s right side out

• Pinch the tip, then roll all the way down on an erect penis

• Use water/silicone lube (oil-based can cause breaks)

• Keep it on start to finish — 1 condom per erection/ejaculation

• If switching between vaginal/anal/oral sex, use a new one

• After sex: hold the base, pull out before soft, tie + trash it (never flush)

Quick Facts

What they are: A barrier method of birth control worn inside the vagina or anus for STI protection during sex.

STI protection: Helps prevent both pregnancy and STIs when used vaginally or anally.

Effectiveness: About 95% effective with perfect use, ~79% with typical use.

Hormone-free: A great option if you want birth control without hormones.

Use: One-time use only — must be inserted before sex and removed after. Cannot be reused.

Variety: Usually made of nitrile (not latex), so safe for people with latex allergies.

Pro tip: The inner ring helps with insertion, and the outer ring stays outside the body, covering part of the external genital area for added STI protection.

Internal Condom Use 101

• Check expiration date + open carefully
• Find the inner ring and squeeze it together to make it long and narrow
• Push the inner ring into the vagina (or anus for anal sex) until it sits comfortably
• Outer ring stays out and should rest outside the body, covering part of the vulva or anus
• Make sure the penis (or sex toy) enters the condom, not the side
• After sex, twist the outer ring to keep semen in, pull out gently, and throw away (do not flush).

Quick tips:

• Use plenty of lube for comfort.

• Do not use with an external condom (friction can cause tearing).

• Practice a couple times to get the hang of it.

Quick Facts

• What they are: A thin sheet of latex or polyurethane used as a barrier during oral sex to help prevent STIs. They do not prevent pregnancy.

• STI protection: Reduces risk of STI transmission during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex.

• Effectiveness: Works well at lowering risk when used correctly every time.

• Hormone-free: Purely a barrier — no hormones involved.

• Use: One-time use only. Place over the vulva or anus before oral sex. Cannot be reused.

• Variety: Most are made of latex, but non-latex options exist for those with allergies.

• Pro tip: If you don’t have a dental dam, you can cut open an external or internal condom to create one in a pinch.

Dental Dam Use 101

• Check expiration date + open carefully (avoid tearing with teeth or sharp nails)
• Lay the dental dam flat over the vulva or anus — it should fully cover the area
• Hold in place with your hands or your partner’s hands to keep it from slipping
• Add water- or silicone-based lube on the side touching the body to increase sensation
• Do not flip it over or reuse — use a new one each time
• After sex, throw away (do not flush)

Quick tips:

• Keep it steady — use your hands to hold it in place

• Add flavored lube or flavored dams if you want to make it more enjoyable

• Don’t stretch too tightly — a little slack keeps it from tearing