Glossary
Condoms Only
Condoms Only describes a personal prevention approach in which someone relies on condoms alone for protection against HIV and other STIs, rather than adding biomedical tools like PrEP.
Condoms Only refers to a prevention choice in which a person relies exclusively on barrier methods, chiefly external or internal condoms, to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, rather than combining condoms with biomedical options such as PrEP or treatment as prevention. Condoms remain a highly effective, low-cost tool that also helps prevent unintended pregnancy, and public health bodies like the CDC continue to recommend them as part of a layered strategy. Choosing condoms only is a legitimate harm reduction decision that reflects personal preference, access, and comfort. Good sexual health education supports informed choice and consistent, correct use rather than pushing a single method on everyone.
Sources
Learn more: www.cdc.gov/condom-effectiveness/about/index.html