Do I Need to Use Condoms If I'm on PrEP?

Many people are concerned about the safety of PrEP, and some wonder whether PrEP can protect them from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Let’s take a look at PrEP and condoms, and break down some of the confusion.

Is PrEP Better Than Condoms? 

Condoms and PrEP are two separate, effective tools for reducing the risk of spreading HIV. One is not “better” than the other. The same thing applies to whether PrEP is safer than condoms.

They both work independently to keep users safe from acquiring HIV, and in the case of condoms, other STIs as well.

There are more options for HIV risk reduction than ever before. This has led to a rise in people adopting new safe sex strategies, with partners trying different combinations of safety preparations, and some using both PrEP and condoms.  

One of the benefits of daily PrEP treatment, above and beyond the efficacy rate of protection, is that it offers users independence from condoms. HIV-negative people who engage in spontaneous sex no longer need to solely rely on condoms for HIV protection.

Condoms are still a valuable protection tool, so it’s important to know the different types of protection offered by PrEP treatments versus using condoms.

How to Use PrEP

PrEP and condoms have each been shown to offer exceptional risk reduction against the spread of HIV. Although using both during sex offers the most coverage (because PrEP will not protect against other STIs), their individual use offers independent benefits.

 With daily PrEP treatments, users take one pill daily to ensure a consistent level of drug protection in the body. This means that you don’t have to plan sex around taking your PrEP medication.

Many people ask the question, “How effective is PrEP without condoms?” For those who prefer sex without a condom, daily PrEP treatment is the best option for reducing the risk of spreading HIV; providing over 99% protection against transmission.

With on-demand PrEP treatment, also known as “PrEP 2-1-1,” users take two pills before sex, followed by one single pill 24 hours after sex, and one single pill 48 hours after sex. While this method of PrEP treatment should only be used in certain situations (like spontaneous sexual encounters), it’s just as effective as daily PrEP.

It’s important to note that while both daily PrEP and on-demand PrEP are extremely effective at reducing the risk of HIV transmission, they don’t provide any protection against other STIs.

Condoms and STIs

Male condoms are up to 90% effective at reducing the risk of  HIV transmission, when used correctly. Male and female condoms that are used together may be more effective at reducing the risk of  HIV transmission, opposed to using male condoms alone.

In general, most studies seem to agree that both male and female condoms used together are better than just using male or female condoms on their own. However, the numbers aren’t very consistent between these studies.

Condoms also help to reduce the risk of  transmission of other types of STIs, including: 

• Chlamydia 
• Gonorrhea 
• Herpes 
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) 
• Syphilis 

Condoms are also a versatile measure, because they’re readily available and come in a variety of sizes and pleasure fits. Provided you have one on-hand, condoms are ideal contraceptives for spontaneous sexual encounters. 

It’s important to note that condoms are not foolproof. Though an effective tool, they’re also very delicate and can become easily damaged.

For a condom to work correctly, the prophylactic sheath must be intact (not the easiest to maintain if placed in a purse or wallet). The thin latex found in most of the popular brands of condoms is made of synthetic materials and can spoil or expire before being used for sex, often without either participant noticing. 

During sexual activity, condoms can rip, tear, and slide off of the penis, causing the transmission of bodily fluids.  

It can be a good idea to wear a condom during sex; especially if you’re with a new partner or either party is unaware of their sexual health status.

Felix believes that you should be able to enjoy protection on your own terms, which is why we believe that PrEP treatments should be available for anyone who may want or need them.

Do Condoms Prevent HIV?

Before PrEP, condoms were one of the most effective contraceptives for reducing the risk of HIV transmission. They continue to be a useful tool for reducing the risk of HIV transmission for the simple reason: when used correctly during sex, condoms usually work.

Do you need to use condoms if you’re on PrEP? If you’re strictly looking to prevent HIV, you could still largely reduce the risks of infection without a condom. However, PrEP won’t reduce the risks of STIs like HPV and Herpes.

Condoms are designed to create a physical barrier around the penis that helps prevent the transmission of bodily fluids like semen, anal, or vaginal fluids during sex.

Not only are there condoms for the penis, but there are also internal condoms inserted into the vagina or the anus for insertive sex. Both of these types of condoms can also be used during oral sex.

However, if you believe that you’re at risk of exposure, or you just want to ensure that you’re protected against HIV, PrEP might be the right option for you; in addition to potentially choosing to use condoms.

Should I Use PrEP and Condoms Together?

As with any health decision, deciding whether to use condoms, PrEP treatments, or both, can only be made by you.

When in doubt, talk to your healthcare practitioner from Felix. Tell them about your regular sexual activities, and the kind of risks that you’d like to protect yourself against. They’ll be able to give you any additional guidance that you need to keep you and your partner(s) protected.

Limitations of PrEP and STIs

It’s important to remember that while PrEP is an effective method for reducing the risks of HIV infection, you can be taking PrEP and other STIs may still be able to infect you.

The relationship between the adherence to PrEP and STIs only applies to a reduced risk of HIV. 

When to See a Healthcare Practitioner

If you’re still unsure about which form of protection is right for you, or if you have any other questions when it comes to using PrEP, it’s important you reach out to your licensed healthcare practitioner.  

Should you want to learn more about PrEP treatments, and if they could be right for you, complete your online assessment with Felix today.

One of our healthcare experts will be happy to walk you through all the protection options available to you, as well as the ones that they believe would work best for you, based on your current health, medical history, and lifestyle.

Because with Felix in your corner, you’ll have the peace of mind to know that you’re protected, so that you can get back to enjoying life on your terms - the way it should be.