Condoms are great for preventing pregnancy and STDs.

If you use condoms perfectly every single time you have sex, they're 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. But people aren't perfect, so in real life condoms are about 82% effective — that means about 18 out of 100 people who use condoms as their only birth control method will get pregnant each year.

Condoms are the only method of birth control that also help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Even if you're already using a different kind of birth control to avoid pregnancy, it's a good idea to also use male or female condoms every time you have sex to protect yourself from STDs.

Most people can use condoms with no problem — there are no side effects. Rarely, latex (rubber) condoms can cause irritation for people with latex allergies or sensitivities. And sometimes the lube on certain types of condoms may be irritating.

If you're allergic to latex, try switching brands or using plastic condoms.