FDA Cleared
External Condom DR
Durex RealFeel Condoms
A polyisoprene condom without latex.
External CondomFDA Cleared
Barrier Method
External Condom
A non-hormonal barrier method that also lowers the risk of STIs, available over the counter.
Last verified: · Updated:
Method at a Glance
Effectiveness
87 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy in a year.
Typical use effectiveness rate.
DurationSingle use
Cost$0.5–$3
/per unitReversibilityReversible
STI ProtectionYes
How you get itOver-the-Counter · No prescription
Available Products
3 products in this category
Specific branded items that use this method. Compare manufacturer details, active ingredients, and regulatory status.
Providers
463 providers in this category
Clinics and telehealth services in our directory that offer this method.
Planned Parenthood - Albany Health Center
Albany, NY 12206
Family Planning Clinic
Hybrid Medicaid
Planned Parenthood - Alhambra Health Center
Alhambra, CA 91801
Family Planning Clinic
Hybrid Medicaid
Planned Parenthood - Allentown Health Center
Allentown, PA 18101
Family Planning Clinic
In-Person Medicaid
Planned Parenthood - Anchorage Health Center
Anchorage, AK 99508
Family Planning Clinic
Hybrid Medicaid
The details
What the evidence says
How well it works, what to watch for, who should avoid it, and the studies behind it.
How well it works
87%(perfect use: 98%)
Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
How was this measured?▾
First-year failure rates are 13% with typical use and 2% with perfect use, so external condoms are 87% and 98% effective.
Cost & insurance
$0.5–$3/per unit
Free at many health clinics; buying in bulk lowers the per-condom price. These are rough retail estimates, so check current prices.
Insurance CoverageVaries
Duration & reversibility
Lasts forSingle use
Reversibility
Reversible
STI ProtectionProtects
The science
How it works in the body
A physical sheath worn over the penis that blocks semen from entering the vagina and reduces skin-to-skin contact that transmits STIs.
Regulatory status & access
StatusFDA Cleared
Used forBirth control
How you get itOver-the-Counter · No prescription
PrescriptionOTC
Side effects
- Rare local irritation from latex or lubricants
Who shouldn't use this
- •Known allergy to latex (use polyisoprene or polyurethane instead)(An allergy to natural rubber latex; use polyurethane or polyisoprene alternatives)
Clinical guidelines
CDC
U.S. MEC Category 1 (no restriction); barrier method that reduces STI transmission risk
View GuidelineThe full picture
What to know about External Condom
How it works
External condoms are sheaths worn over the penis during sex. They block semen from entering the vagina and reduce skin-to-skin contact, which makes them a birth control method that also lowers the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
How well it works
With perfect use, external condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Typical use is about 87% because of breakage, slippage, or inconsistent use. Latex is a common material, but polyisoprene and polyurethane options work for people with latex allergies. Lambskin condoms prevent pregnancy but do not block viruses like HIV.
Where to get it
You can buy condoms over the counter at pharmacies, retail stores, or online. Many health clinics give them away free. You can also search our provider directory for clinics near you.
Keep exploring
Other birth control methods
More non-hormonal methods in this category, ranked by effectiveness.
Barrier Method
Internal Condom
A soft pouch worn inside the vagina that blocks sperm and protects against STIs, available by prescription.
1 product