• Condoms and other contraceptives

Condoms and other contraceptives

The purpose of this booklet is to provide factual information that can be used to foster a positive attitude towards condom use. The message is kept simple and focuses on responding to common, reoccurring myths, misperceptions, and fears (MMF) related to condoms and condom use. It provides accurate evidence-based information to support the fact that consistent use of male or female condoms is highly effective at preventing unintended pregnancy, the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI).

The facts about condoms and approaches to condom use are to help individuals involved in reproductive health, particularly family planning and HIV/STI prevention and care programmes. The information should help provide convincing arguments to motivate individuals to adopt safe sexual practices and to consistently and correctly use condoms to prevent unintended pregnancy and the transmission of HIV/STIs.

The booklet also highlights that national authorities and development agencies can help prevent unintended pregnancy and the transmission of HIV/STIs by providing condoms free of charge or at affordable prices. They can also support strategies that help make them acceptable and accessible to those in greatest need of their protective benefits. This includes:

• increasing supplies of quality-assured male and female condom
• increasing the type and number of distribution points
• promoting dual protection, which is the practice of using condoms for both family planning purposes as well as the prevention of STIs
• promoting both male and female condoms, and
• addressing attitudes and misunderstandings brought on by MMFs that threaten correct and consistent condom use.

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