Unplanned pregnancy should be avoided. It is important to understand all options available to prevent a pregnancy, and then make an informed choice about what suits a couple best. The various options available are :

• Hormonal
• Barrier
• IUD
• Methods based on information
• Permanent sterilization

Barrier methods include

• Male condoms
  • These are > 98% effective when used correctly & consistently
  • Do’s and Dont’s
    • DO keep condoms in a cool, dry place
    • DO put the condom on an erect (hard) penis before any genital contact
    • DO hold the condom in place at the base of the penis before withdrawing (pulling out) after sex
    • DO throw the condom away after it’s been used
    • DO use water-based lubrication (vaginal sex) or silicone-based (anal sex)
    • DON’T use expired condoms.
    • DON’T unroll the condom before putting it on the penis
    • DON’T leave condoms in hot places (wallet, car, etc.)
    • DON’T use oil-based products (baby or cooking oils, hand lotion, Vaseline, etc.) as lubricants with latex condoms
    • DON’T use your fingernails or teeth while opening the condom wrapper.
    • DON’T reuse a condom
    • DON’T use more than one condom at a time