What is a condom?
A condom is a thin rubber sleeve that is put over the penis. You put a condom on a stiff penis before penetration. It collects the semen when a man ejaculates.
Condom
Method of contraception
You can use a condom during sexual intercourse if you do want to have a child. It is a method of contraception.
Protection against HIV and STIs
A condom protects you and your partner against HIV and most STIs. It lowers the risk of infection with other STIs. However, it does not always fully cover sores, blisters and warts on the skin of your or your partner. This means that you still run a risk of infection with an STI.
Use a condom when having vaginal sex or anal sex. This will protect you against HIV and lower the risk of getting other STIs.
Do not get blood or semen in your mouth during oral sex. This makes the risk of infection with HIV very small. Using a condom when having oral sex can lower the risk of getting other STIs.
If you and your partner do not want to use a condom, talk to your general practitioner about getting tested for STIs or HIV.
STI Aids Netherlands has developed leaflets in different languages with information about condoms and STIs. The leaflets can be downloaded on the website of STI Aids Netherlands.
Buying condoms
You can buy condoms without a prescription at a pharmacy, chemist or supermarket. Sometimes you can also find them in other shops, bars and nightclubs or vending machines. You can also buy condoms on the internet.
A condom costs betwee 0.20 € and 0.90€. Special condoms, for example with a special flavour or ribs, cost more.
What does it cost?
Female condom
There are also female condoms.
Female condom