Background Self-reported uses of condom have been documented in many studies as not good proxy indicator for their utilisation. Many players in health programmes in Ghana report high distribution of male and female condoms for HIV prevention programmes. This is not commensurate with their usage. Available recent study data prompted this study. The objective of this study is to determine if there are other uses for male and female condoms besides being use during sexual intercourse.

Methods Between January and October 2012, 987 (Male 48% (474), Female 52% (513) persons aged between 18 and 45 who consented to participate in this cross sectional study were recruited. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to consenting individuals one-on-one in Western, Ashanti and Northern regions of Ghana. Sociodemographic characteristics. Data was analysed with SPSS 16.

Results 80% (790/987) reported that condom can be used to prevent Urinary Tract Infections by wearing it during swimming in ponds and rivers.74% (730/987) reported that condoms are used to set fires especially for commercial use. The rubber and oil in the condom support fire setting quicker than using paper especially when charcoal and firewood is used as a cooking fuel.68.0% (671/987) reported that bangles and earrings could be made out of female condoms for sale.

Conclusion Condoms have other uses which has both commercial and social potential to compete favourably with the traditional use of condom for sexual intercourse to provide dual protection i.e. prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV and unwanted pregnancy. This study presents evidence that programmes need to use several methods to validate use of condoms for their intended purpose as data on condoms distributed could mislead the indicators on unmet needs for contraceptive and Couple Years of Protection (CYP).