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CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Facts about ...
Condoms and Their Use in Preventing HIV Infection and Other STDs
With more than 1 million Americans infected with HIV, most
of them through sexual transmission, and an estimated 12 million
other sexually transmitted diseases occurring each year in the
United States, effective strategies for preventing these diseases
The proper and consistent use of latex condoms when engaging
in sexual intercourse--vaginal, anal, or oral--can greatly reduce
a person's risk of acquiring or transmitting STDs, including HIV
infection. In fact, recent studies provide compelling evidence
that latex condoms are highly effective in protecting against HIV
infection when used properly for every act of intercourse.
Latex condoms are highly
effective when used consistently
and correctly-- new studies
provide additional evidence
that condoms work
The protection that proper use of latex condoms provides
against HIV transmission is most evident from studies of couples
in which one member is infected with HIV and the other is not,
i.e., "discordant couples." In a study of discordant couples in
Europe, among 123 couples who reported consistent condom use,
none of the uninfected partners became infected. In contrast,
among the 122 couples who used condoms inconsistently, 12 of the
uninfected partners became infected.
As these studies indicate, condoms must be used consistently
and correctly to provide maximum protection. Consistent use means
using a condom from start to finish with each act of intercourse.
Correct condom use should include the following steps:
- Use a new condom for each act of intercourse.
- Put on the condom as soon as erection occurs and before any
sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral).
- Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis,
leaving space at the tip of the condom, yet ensuring that no air
is trapped in the condom's tip.
- Adequate lubrication is important, but use only water-based
lubricants, such as glycerine or lubricating jellies (which can
be purchased at any pharmacy). Oil-based lubricants, such as
petroleum jelly, cold cream, hand lotion, or baby oil, can weaken
- Withdraw from the partner immediately after ejaculation,
holding the condom firmly to keep it from slipping off.
MYTHS ABOUT CONDOMS
There continues to be misinformation and misunderstanding
about condom effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) provides the following updated information to
address some common myths about condoms. This information is
based on findings from recent epidemiologic, laboratory, and
Myth #1: Condoms don't work
Some persons have expressed concern about studies that
report failure rates among couples using condoms for pregnancy
prevention. Analysis of these studies indicates that the large
range of efficacy rates is related to incorrect or inconsistent
use. The fact is: latex condoms are highly effective for
pregnancy prevention, but only when they are used properly.
Research indicates that only 30 to 60 percent of men who claim to
use condoms for contraception actually use them for every act of
intercourse. Further, even people who use condoms every time may
not use them correctly. Incorrect use contributes to the
possibility that the condom could leak from the base or break.
Myth #2: HIV can pass through condoms
A commonly held misperception is that latex condoms contain
"holes" that allow passage of HIV. Although this may be true for
natural membrane condoms, laboratory studies show that intact
latex condoms provide a continuous barrier to microorganisms,
including HIV, as well as sperm.
Myth #3: Condoms frequently break
Another area of concern expressed by some is about the
quality of latex condoms. Condoms are classified as medical
devices and are regulated by the FDA. Every latex condom
manufactured in the United States is tested for defects before it
is packaged. During the manufacturing process, condoms are
double-dipped in latex and undergo stringent quality control
procedures. Several studies clearly show that condom breakage
rates in this country are less than 2 percent. Most of the
breakage is due to incorrect usage rather than poor condom
quality. Using oil-based lubricants can weaken latex, causing the
condom to break. In addition, condoms can be weakened by exposure
to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or
PREVENTING HIV INFECTION AND OTHER STDS
Recommended Prevention Strategies
Abstaining from sexual activity is the most effective HIV
prevention strategy. However, for individuals who choose to be
sexually active, the following are highly effective:
Engaging in sexual activities that do not involve vaginal,
anal, or oral intercourse
Having intercourse only with one uninfected partner
Using latex condoms correctly from start to finish with each
act of intercourse
Other HIV Prevention Strategies
- Condoms for Women
The FDA recently approved a female condom, which will soon
be available in the United States. A limited study of this condom
as a contraceptive indicates a failure rate of about 26 percent
in 1 year. Although laboratory studies indicate that the device
serves as a mechanical barrier to viruses, further clinical
research is necessary to determine its effectiveness in
preventing transmission of HIV.
The role of spermicides in preventing HIV infection is
uncertain. Condoms lubricated with spermicides are not likely to
be more effective than condoms used with other water-based
lubricants. Spermicides added to the tip of the condom are also
not likely to add protection against HIV.
- Making Responsible Choices
In summary, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
infection, are preventable, and individuals have several
responsible prevention strategies to choose from. But the
effectiveness of each one depends largely on the individual.
Those who practice abstinence as a prevention strategy will find
it effective only if they always abstain. Similarly, those who
choose any of the other recommended prevention strategies,
including condoms, will find them highly effective if used
correctly and consistently.
For further information contact:
CDC National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS
CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 6003
Rockville, MD 20849-6003
Condoms and STD/HIV Prevention
July 30, 1993
Safer Sex Page /
Safer Sex: Information for Counselors
(Tue Aug 30 18:23:42 1994)