Condoms greatly reduce the risk of getting or passing on many STIs, including HIV, if they are used correctly each time you have sex or share sex toys. Condoms come in many different types and sizes. You can try out different kinds to see which feel best to you. It is important to know that only latex and polyurethane condoms are effective at preventing transmission of HIV and other STIs. Other condoms, such as lambskin condoms, do not prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs.

Internal Condoms

Internal condoms (also called female condoms) are polyurethane condoms you can put into the vagina or anus before sex. Although they are often called female condoms, they can be used by people of any gender for anal sex.

Types

Different people prefer different kinds of condoms. Whether you like condoms that are flavored, unflavored, internal, external, latex or polyurethane, the important thing is for you and your partner(s) to decide which are best for you and to use them every time.

Lubricants and Spermicides

Two important notes on lubricant and spermicides and condoms:

• If you are worried about your risk of HIV and STIs, spermicides, such as Nonoxynol 9, should be avoided. Spermicides, and condoms with spermicidal lube, can cause irritation of the vagina, anus and penis. This irritation increases the chance of getting or passing on HIV and other STIs.
• For vaginal sex (and for oral sex on a vulva), it is best to use condoms or lube that are not flavored and which don't contain glycerin. Glycerin can make yeast infections more likely for some people.

You can use dental dams during oral sex on a vulva or anus to prevent the spread of HIV and other STIs. Dental dams are square pieces of stretchy latex or plastic placed between the mouth and the vulva or anus. 

• If you drop the dental dam, use a new one. You won't be able to tell which side you were on.

Make Your Own

If you don't have a dental dam you can make your own -- use a large piece of plastic wrap or cut a condom or glove into a flat rectangle and use it in the same way. 

When putting a penis, fingers or a sex toy inside a vagina or anus, using lots of water or silicone based lubricant can lower friction a lot, making sex more pleasurable, and help keep a condom from breaking. With latex condoms use only water or silicone based lubes. Don't use oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, massage oils, or food oils, because they can break down the latex in the condom causing it to be ineffective at preventing HIV and STI transmission or pregnancy.

When putting fingers inside the vagina or anus, you can wear latex, polyurethane or nitrile gloves to reduce the risk of getting STIs though tiny cuts on your hands.

Mouth to Anus

Mouth to Vulva

Mouth to Penis

During vaginal or anal sex, both people are at risk of getting and giving STIs, including HIV. The risk for contracting HIV is higher for the receptive partner (the lining of the vagina or and offers HIV an easier entry into the body). Sharing sex toys can also put people at risk for STIs.

Genital rubbing and outercourse can transmit STIs. Using a condom or dental dam can help to reduce these risks. STIs that can be transmitted during penetrative sex can also be transmitted during genital rubbing, although not as easily. For example, there is a misconception that vulva to vulva sex is without risk. In fact, STIs like HPV and herpes can be transmitted, as well as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Sharing sex toys can also transmit STIs. Change condoms or wash the toy when you share a toy with a partner or use a toy for a new area of the body (moving from anus to vulva for example).

Telephone

401-863-3953

• Health Services provides comprehensive primary health care including STI testing, pregnancy testing, contraception, and emergency contraception for Brown students.
• Provider visits are free, but lab and prescription fees are charged.
• All services are confidential.

Visit Student Health Services

Telephone

401-863-2794

• Health Promotion offers sexual health information, including brochures and a lending library, appointments available with Naomi Ninneman to discuss sexual health questions or issues, and appointments available with Health Promotion staff to discuss consent and sexual assault issues or experiences.

Learn About Health Promotion

• HIV and other STI testing, pregnancy tests, contraception, abortion services.

Visit Planned Parenthood

• HIV and other STI testing.
• Free.
• Anonymous testing available.

Visit the Miriam Hospital Immunology Center

• HIV testing only.
• Free.
• Anonymous.

Visit AIDS Project Rhode Island

• HIV testing only.
• Free.
• Anonymous.

Visit AIDS Care Ocean State