Affordable, accessible condoms are fundamental to HIV and STI prevention
If used consistently and correctly, condoms are highly effective (up to 96 percent!) in protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Condoms serve as a barrier that prevents exchange of bodily fluids that can carry HIV and other STIs during sex, as well as preventing pregnancy. Condoms are available without a prescription and can be obtained at various outlets (such as health centers, drug stores, vending machines or doctor’s offices) at little to no cost. Condoms are fundamental to HIV and STI prevention.
Condoms for All Bodies
External condoms are worn on an erect penis. Internal condoms are worn on the side of the vagina or anus. Most people are aware of external condoms. Internal condoms, previously called female condoms, are an important tool to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Internal condoms are currently the only non-hormonal multipurpose prevention method (MPT) designed for and initiated by women and receptive sexual partners that provides effective protection against unintended pregnancy and STI acquisition, including HIV. Learn more.
Access to condoms must be a priority to any public health strategy to control HIV and ultimately end the epidemic. Numerous brands with a variety of features are available for external condoms. A more limited selection of internal condoms exist today, with one as the most commonly available around the world, the FC2. It has been recommended by the WHO since 2006 and approved by the FDA in 2009. The FDA has also approved internal condoms for both vaginal and anal intercourse.
In 2018, the FDA reclassified internal condoms to a regulatory Class II, the same as external condoms, simplifying the approval process for newly developed internal condoms.
Condoms represent an essential contribution to the STI prevention toolkit. National HIV and STI prevention strategies and country programming must include sufficient budgets and program support for sustaining a robust supply of condoms wherever they are needed.
report
Since the physical properties of condoms have not undergone substantial change, many people may forget the power of condoms as a family planning tool. This collection was created as a reminder to all of us that some methods continue to work even as innovations arise.
report
This resource shares new data on the efficacy and importance of internal condoms, and includes critical new USAID condom procurement data that indicate the need for increased internal condom procurement.
factsheet
On World AIDS Day, AVAC hones in on three things that are essential advocacy priorities for the present moment.
Source: Health Education & Behavior
Source: BMJ Open
Source: Reuters
The database allows users to view clinical trials around the world, gaining an understanding of the many developments currently being made in the field of HIV prevention research.
This graphic shows currently available options for HIV prevention, newly approved and recommended treatment, and those in development.