Are condoms a good choice?

Yes. Condoms aren't expensive and are widely available. Condoms are an especially good choice if you or your partner are also having sex with other people or if either of you has had sex with other people in the past.

Condoms offer the most protection against STIs of all the barrier method options. Using a spermicide with condoms can offer better protection against pregnancy, but it does not increase your protection against STIs . Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can cause genital irritation and can actually increase your risk of catching an STI.

Female condoms aren't as effective as male condoms, but they may be a good choice if a man won't use a male condom.