In the United States, the HIV virus is transmitted approximately two-thirds of the time via sexual intercourse, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Experts believe many could have avoided the disease with condom use. Knowing the facts about AIDS and condoms can help people better protect themselves against this deadly disease.
Condom Effectiveness
While providing a numerical estimate regarding the effectiveness of condoms for disease prevention can be challenging, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that it is clear that condoms are not 100 percent effective against HIV and AIDS transmission. Nevertheless, if used properly condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading the HIV virus during vaginal and oral sexual intercourse.
The FDA notes that condoms are more likely to break during anal intercourse because of the greater amount of friction and other stresses involved.
When to Use a Condom
When it comes to HIV and AIDS prevention, those who engage in risky sexual behavior should always use a condom. The FDA defines “risky behavior” as vaginal, anal or oral sex with a person who has a sexually transmitted disease, needle sharing during drug use, or sex with someone who has a history of past intercourse with infected partners.
How They Work
HIV transmission occurs when infected urethral or vaginal secretions contact the mucus membranes of the male urethra, the vagina, or the cervix. Condoms form a barrier between the penis and a partner’s blood, semen or vaginal fluids, according to the FDA. Without a condom, HIV-infected fluids can readily pass from the infected to the uninfected.
Care Tips
For maximum effectiveness, it is important to treat condoms with care so they are less likely to break during use. Users should store condoms in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures and heat in particular, can make latex brittle or gummy. Only carry a condom in a wallet, purse or pocket for a few hours at a time, recommends the FDA. When opening a condom for use, it is important to handle the wrapper gently to avoid accidentally puncturing it. This means wearers should refrain from opening it with their teeth, nails, or even scissors.
Condom Warnings
When it comes to HIV and AIDS transmission protection, it is important to use condoms made of latex rubber. Condoms made from other materials like lambskin are not effective against sexually transmitted diseases, according to the FDA. Users should make sure any condom package includes verbiage on the packaging about disease prevention.
While unrolling the condom prior to use, discard it immediately if the condom tip appears damaged, or if the material feels brittle, gummy, or sticks to itself.
Usage Guidelines
For maximum effectiveness, the CDC states that condom use must be correct and consistent. Prior to use, the FDA states uncircumcised men must pull their foreskin back before usage, and that a condom should be rolled on only after an erection is complete and prior to any sexual contact. All users should remember to leave a half-inch space at the tip for semen collection.
After ejaculation, users should grip the condom rim and withdraw carefully before pulling it off and taking care to avoid fluid spillage.
