Condoms and dual protection

Condoms do two jobs at once. They help prevent pregnancy, and they help protect you from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). No other common contraceptive method does both. This guide from Network One Health explains how to get the most from them.

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Two types of condom

Male condom (external condom). A thin cover that goes over the erect penis. It catches semen so it does not enter the vagina.

Female condom (internal condom). A soft pouch that goes inside the vagina before sex. It has a ring at each end. You can put it in yourself, so you are in control.

Both types:

• Do not need a prescription.
• Work straight away.
• Are only needed when you have sex.
• Do not affect breastfeeding, and can be used at any time after having a baby.

Use only one condom at a time. Do not use a male and a female condom together.

How effective are condoms?

How well a condom works depends on using it every time and the right way.

These figures come from the South African guideline and from World Health Organization (WHO) 2025 estimates. They show how many women out of 100 get pregnant in the first year of use:

condom	used perfectly (both sources)	in everyday use, sa guideline	in everyday use, who 2025
male condom	2 in 100	18 in 100	13 in 100
female condom	5 in 100	21 in 100	21 in 100

“Everyday use” includes the times people forget, or put the condom on late. The gap between the two columns shows how much correct use matters.

Using a male condom well

• Check the expiry date. Store condoms somewhere cool and dry, not in a hot car or a tight back pocket.
• Open the packet gently with your fingers, not your teeth.
• Put it on before the penis touches the vagina, mouth or anus.
• Squeeze the tip to leave space for semen, then roll it all the way down.
• If you need extra wetness, use a water-based lubricant. Oil-based products such as petroleum jelly or body lotion can damage latex condoms.
• After sex, hold the rim while pulling out, before the penis goes soft.
• Use a new condom every time. Wrap it and put it in a bin. Do not flush it.

Using a female condom well

• Check the expiry date.
• Squeeze the inner ring and push it deep into the vagina. The outer ring stays outside.
• Guide the penis into the condom, not beside it.
• After sex, twist the outer ring and pull it out gently.
• It may feel strange at first. Practise a few times. It gets easier.

Ask a nurse to show you if you are unsure. Clinics have staff trained to explain the female condom.

What is dual protection?

Dual protection means protecting yourself from pregnancy and from HIV and STIs at the same time. There are two ways:

1. Condoms plus another method. For example, condoms plus an implant, injection, IUD or pill. The other method gives strong protection against pregnancy. The condom adds protection against HIV and STIs.
2. Condoms alone, used correctly every time.

The World Health Organization advises health workers to recommend dual protection to anyone at significant risk of HIV or STIs. In South Africa, HIV is common, so this matters for many women, at any age.

Other HIV prevention options can sit alongside condoms. These include PrEP (daily medicine to prevent HIV), PEP (medicine after a possible exposure), and regular HIV testing.

If a condom breaks or slips

Do not panic. You still have options.

• Emergency contraception can lower your chance of pregnancy. You have up to 5 days after sex, but sooner is better. Get it from a clinic or pharmacy.
• If you may have been exposed to HIV, go to a clinic or emergency unit today. Ask about medicine to prevent HIV (PEP). What is available varies by area.
• Consider an STI check.

Talking to a partner

Asking to use a condom is a normal, healthy request. Some people find it hard to raise. It can help to talk about it before you are in the moment. If a partner refuses, pressures you, or hurts you, that is not okay. Clinics can also support you if you feel unsafe at home. If you were forced to have sex, go to a clinic or emergency unit today. Ask them about medicine to prevent HIV and about support services, because what is available varies by area.

Where to get condoms

• Public clinics. Male and female condoms are available at public clinics, often at the entrance or in the waiting area.
• Community points. Many workplaces, colleges, community organisations and public places have condom dispensers.
• Pharmacies, shops and garages sell condoms.
• Network One Health can talk you through options at any visit.

Signs of an STI to look out for

See a clinician if you notice:

• Pain low in your belly
• A bad-smelling discharge
• Burning when you pass urine
• Pain during sex
• Fever

When to get help

In an emergency, go to your nearest hospital emergency unit or call 10177.

What to expect at Network One Health

We talk about condoms and contraception without judgement. We can help you choose a main method, and show you how to add condoms for dual protection.

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Ready to talk? Ask us to call you or WhatsApp Noma on 065 072 5315 for bookings and questions.