This Month's HIV/AIDS Facts

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Question: Are condoms effective?

Basic Answer: Used correctly and consistently, latex (or polyurethane if allergic to latex) condoms help protect people from HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and some other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Although they greatly reduce the risk of HIV transmission, they are not 100 percent effective. Condom failures usually result from improper use.

Detailed Answer: Used correctly and consistently, latex (or polyurethane if allergic to latex) condoms greatly reduce the risk of transmission of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and some other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).* One study of latex condom effectiveness observed couples in which only one partner was living with HIV, comparing the couples using condoms consistently with those that did not. Of the 123 couples using condoms consistently, no uninfected partner became infected during the study. Of the 122 couples not using condoms consistently, 12 partners became infected with HIV. Condoms are not 100 percent effective; however, for individuals choosing to have sex, correct and consistent condom use can significantly reduce their risk of HIV transmission. Typically, condoms fail due to improper use. For condoms to be effective, the user must --

• Store condoms in a cool, dry place out of the sun.
• Examine each condom for defects and for the expiration date before using it.
• Use a new condom for every act of oral, vaginal or anal sex.
• Put on the condom, making sure that it is completely unrolled, before any genital contact occurs.
• Use enough water-based lubricant. Oil-based lubricants (such as cooking oil, shortening or petroleum jelly) can weaken latex condoms.
• Leave enough space at the tip to collect the semen.
• Hold the base of the condom tightly against the penis while withdrawing. This must be done while the penis is still erect.

According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) panel convened in 2000, latex condoms, used correctly and consistently, can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission in men and women. The panel concluded more studies were needed to make specific conclusions about the effectiveness of condoms in preventing other STDs. However, there is strong evidence that indicates that condoms are effective in preventing HIV. People need to use a condom every time they have sex, from start to finish. A new condom should be used each time they have sex.

*The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly checks condoms at the manufacturer’s plant. If more than four in a batch of 1,000 condoms break during testing, the entire batch is rejected.

SOURCES:

• Seattle and King County Public Health Department. "Condom Information Update." November 2001.
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. “Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention, June 12–13, 2000.” July 20, 2001.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "HIV and Its Transmission." January 2001.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Questions and Answers about Male Latex Condoms to Prevent Sexual Transmission of HIV" Update. April 1997.
• New England journal of Medicine, 1994; vol. 331, no. 6. "A Longitudinal Study of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission by Heterosexual Partners." deVincenzi, I.
• American Journal of Public Health, 1993; vol. 83, no. 4. "Commentary: Condoms and HIV/STD Prevention Clarifying the Message." Roper, W. L., et al.
• Consumer Reports, 1989; vol. 54, no. 3. "Can You Rely on Condoms?"

For current statistics, contact the CDC National AIDS Hotline (800/342-AIDS), Spanish (800/344-7432), TTY/TDD (800/243-7889); the CDC Voice and Fax Information System (888/232-3228); the CDC National Prevention Information Network (800/458-5231) or its Web site at www.cdcnpin.org; or the CDC HIV/AIDS Web site at www.cdc.gov/hiv/dhap.htm.