Ive Heard Condoms Cant Prevent The Spread Of Hiv Is That True
By | Aug. 4, 2010, 11:01 a.m.
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Id like to know if its true that condoms are not a safe method to avoid getting HIV AIDS. I heard that the size of the virus AIDS is smaller than the spaces of a condom and therefore, its possible that people are getting infected even with the use of a condom.
No, its not true. HIV is a virus that is carried in blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. None of these substances can pass through an intact latex condom, a polyurethane male condom, or a polyurethane internal condom.
Latex and internal condoms are the most effective way for people who have vaginal and anal intercourse to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. While oral sex is not nearly as risky as unprotected intercourse is for HIV, latex barriers can further reduce the risk.
Latex condoms are also up to 98 percent effective against pregnancy when used correctly. Polyurethane male condoms are less effective against pregnancy because they are somewhat more likely to break. Polyurethane internal condoms are up to 95 percent effective against pregnancy.
Some people use animal skin condoms, but theyre not as effective as latex or polyurethane condoms in preventing viral infections like HIV.
Types Of Condoms: Everything You Need To Know
Condoms are not just about different sizes and thicknesses. Modern condoms are available in a wide variety of different styles and types, each with its pros and cons. Their knowledge can bring a new spark into your sex life and make your experience safer and more enjoyable.
Latex Condoms
Regular latex condoms are the most commonly used type of condoms on the market. They take advantage of outstanding elastic properties of latex, which allow the condom to stretch up to 8 times its original size before breaking. When used correctly, this type of condom is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy and is the only form of birth control that also prevents STIs, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The manufacturing process is regulated by the ISO 4074 and CEN standards. These standards require that each condom is tested for punctures and structural weaknesses before its packaged and shipped to stores. Most latex condoms come pre-lubricated, but there may not be enough lubricant for a comfortable sexual experience. When applying additional lubrication with latex condoms, its very important to stay clear of oil-based lubricants, including petroleum jelly, cooking oil, baby oil, and various creams and suntan lotions. Only use water- or silicon-based lubrication.
Non-Latex Condoms
Spermicide Condoms
Colored Condoms
Flavored Condoms
Ultra-Thin Condoms
Textured Condoms
Female Condoms
How Often Do Condoms Break
Figures for the frequency of condoms breaking, slipping off or leaking vary widely between studies. In Sanders review , between 0.8 and 41% of participants had ever experienced a condom breaking. While a few studies report much higher rates, the breakage rate per sexual act in most studies was between 0 and 4%.
For example, a recent American study of 8603 men who have sex with men found that 4% of participants reported a condom breaking the last time they used one. There was no difference between men reporting receptive or insertive sex, but younger men, men who had more sexual partners and men who were high when they had sex were more likely to experience a breakage.
Up to a third of men report problems with the fit and feel of condoms, which are in turn associated with condoms breaking or slipping off. Choosing a condom that is an appropriate size for the penis reduces the risk of breakage.
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Best Flavored: Durex Tropical Flavors Condom
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Not latex-free
Looking to add a little spice, or taste, to your sex life? These Durex external condoms come in tropical flavors that make sex a fun and pleasurable experience, especially if used during oral sex. A variety of flavors are included in the pack, such as apple, orange, strawberry, and banana.
Besides flavor, these external condoms also are made with an ultra-thin material that provides added comfort and sensation.
Material: Latex | Added Features: Flavored | Lubricated: Yes
Durex Avanti Bare Non
Keeping yourself safe from disease or pregnancy doesnt have to make for a disappointing sexual experience. Neither does an unfortunate latex allergy. While some non-latex varieties can appear thick and be slightly uncomfortable, this option from Durex is made of polyisoprene, making it thinner and more sensitive than its counterparts. Consider stocking up, as these tend to price higher than traditional condoms.
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Is The Same True For Men Who Have Sex With Men
Are male condoms also effective at reducing HIV transmission when used by gay men or other men who have sex with men? Several studies have explored this question and estimated a similar effectiveness rate of 70 to 80% for consistent condom use during anal sex. However, these studies are affected by the same three limitations as studies of heterosexual couples — incorrect use, inconsistent use and differences in behaviour. So the effectiveness rate for consistent and correct condom use during anal sex is likely higher.
What To Do If A Condom Breaks
If a condom breaks during intercourse, stop immediately and remove the broken condom.
If there is any risk of an STI, people should see their doctor, as soon as possible. The doctor will do a sexual health screening and advise about how to look for signs of STIs if they appear.
If people are worried about pregnancy, there are a number of emergency contraception options available from doctors, sexual health clinics, or over the counter at a pharmacy.
People can choose between emergency contraception pills or an intrauterine device . These can help prevent pregnancy when used early after a condom breaks. The sooner a person takes emergency contraception, the more effective it is.
Both males and females condoms are available. Male condoms are typically more affordable and have more varieties. Male condoms can vary in shape, size, flavor, and color.
Both male and female condoms are highly effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs when used correctly.
Both male and female condoms have some advantages and disadvantages that people should consider when deciding on birth control.
Advantages of condoms include the following:
- less costly than hormonal methods and may be available free at certain health clinics
- non-hormonal way of working
- available in places that do not have a pharmacy
- protect against STIs where most other forms of birth control do not
There are also certain disadvantages of condoms compared with other methods of contraception, such as the following:
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Do Condoms Always Prevent Hiv Transmission
When used correctly every time you have sex, condoms are the best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.
They have a very low failure rate and are effective for all forms of sex, including oral and anal sex.
Condoms are classed as medical devices so therefore must meet essential requirements and go through quality tests.
Always check the expiry date of the condom, and choose condoms that carry the BSI kite mark and the European CE mark. These are recognised safety standards.
Condoms are most effective when used properly, which includes using one that is the right size. Condoms come in different widths and lengths, so it may take a while to find the right condom.
Here are some basic things you can do to make sure youre using a condom properly:
- use a new condom each time you have sex
- put the condom on as soon as an erection occurs and before any sexual contact
- avoid using an oil-based lubricant, such as Vaseline or baby oil, which can weaken the condom and increase the chances of it splitting water-based lubricants are best and can be bought at most supermarkets or pharmacies
- the man should withdraw from his partner immediately after ejaculating, holding the condom firmly to keep it from slipping off
When To Use A Condom
To reduce the risk of transmission of HIV and other STIs to the greatest extent possible, condoms can and should be used for any type of sexual activity involving a penis.
The exception is for couples who have both tested negative for HIV and other STIs and are only sexually active with each other. However, the most recent test for both members of the couple should have been after the window period for any possible previous exposure.
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How Can Service Providers Improve The Uptake And Correct Use Of Condoms
1.Improve awareness of condoms as a highly effective HIV prevention strategy and knowledge of how to use them correctly.
Education and counselling activities related to sexual health and HIV prevention should include information on the HIV prevention benefits of condoms. External or internal condoms can be used for both vaginal and anal sex. Service providers can promote condoms as one of several highly effective ways to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV, along with pre-exposure prophylaxis , post-exposure prophylaxis and the use of antiretroviral treatment to maintain an undetectable viral load. Encourage clients to choose the combination of strategies that will work most effectively for them.
It is also important to provide education on how to use condoms correctly, to prevent breakage, slippage and leakage during sex and to maximize condom effectiveness. The correct use of condoms means:
- finding an external condom with the right fit and feel
- storing condoms at room temperature and regularly replacing condoms that are kept in a wallet, purse or pocket
- checking the expiry date and making sure the packaging isnt damaged
- using a new condom for every act of vaginal or anal sex and considering using a condom for oral sex
- using a new condom with every sex partner or when sharing sex toys
- putting the condom on and taking it off correctly
- applying sufficient and appropriate lubrication
- using a condom for the entire act of sex
4. Address underlying risk of HIV transmission.
Are Hiv Medicines Used At Other Times To Prevent Hiv Transmission
Yes, HIV medicines are also used for post-exposure prophylaxis and to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis PEP means taking HIV medicines within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent HIV infection. PEP should be used only in emergency situations. It is not meant for regular use by people who may be exposed to HIV frequently. For more information, read the HIVinfo fact sheet on Post-Exposure Prophylaxis .
- Prevention of perinatal transmission of HIVPregnant women with HIV take HIV medicines for their own health and to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV. After birth, babies born to women with HIV receive HIV medicine to protect them from infection with any HIV that may have passed from mother to child during childbirth. For more information, read the HIVinfo fact sheet on Preventing Perinatal Transmission of HIV.
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What Types Of Condoms Are Available
There are many types of male condoms, including:
You might also find glow-in-the-dark or other novelty condoms. But be careful: These kinds typically arenât FDA-approved and may not prevent pregnancies or STDs. Make sure the package clearly states that the product guards against both.
Thereâs only one type of female condom approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. Itâs made of nitrile, a type of latex-free, human-made rubber. It comes pre-lubricated.
The Expanding Hiv Prevention Toolkit
In the past decade the number of HIV prevention options available to reduce the risk of HIV transmission has increased. Some of these strategies are generating a lot of excitement because they may provide an option for people who don’t want to, or are unable to, use condoms. These include the following:
- Antiretroviral treatment — which reduced the risk of HIV transmission by 96% among heterosexual serodiscordant couples in a randomized controlled trial .
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis — which reduced the risk of HIV transmission by 40 to 70% for gay men and heterosexual men and women, in RCTs. Further analysis suggested that PrEP may have reduced HIV risk by up to 90% among those who always took their pills.,
- Post-exposure prophylaxis — which reduced the risk of HIV transmission by up to 80% in an observational study of healthcare workers exposed to HIV in the workplace.
- Observational studies suggest that behavioural strategies such as serosorting, strategic positioning and withdrawal may slightly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
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Are Some Types Of Condoms Better At Preventing Hiv
To use condoms to effectively prevent HIV, its important to note the material of the condom. Always use condoms made from latex or a synthetic material like polyurethane.
Since lambskin condoms are more porous than other types of condoms, viruses can pass through. For this reason, they do not prevent HIV.
Additionally, some condoms may come coated with a spermicide, which is a chemical that works to kill sperm. One of the most common spermicides is called nonoxynol-9.
How Do Condoms Help Prevent The Sexual Transmission Of Hiv
Condoms help prevent HIV transmission by reducing the risk of an exposure to HIV during sex.
Laboratory studies show that the materials used to make most condoms do not let HIV pass through them. Condoms act as a barrier to HIV infection by preventing the vagina, penis, rectum and mouth from being exposed to bodily fluids that can contain HIV.
Some condoms are made from a thin membrane of sheep intestine. These natural membrane condoms are also known as lambskin condoms. They can be used to help prevent pregnancy, but they should not be used as an HIV prevention strategy because HIV can pass through them.
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How Can I Prevent Hiv Transmission And Stds During Vaginal Sex
HIV is spread during vaginal sex when HIV-infected semen, vaginal fluid or menstrual blood comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the vagina or penis. Some STDs are spread the same way as HIV. Other STDs are transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes. In general, since there is more mucous membrane area in the vagina, and a greater possibility of small cuts in the vagina, women are more likely than men to get infected with HIV and some STDs through unprotected vaginal sex. Teenagers and women entering menopause are at especially high risk for getting HIV and other STDs because the tissue lining the vagina is more fragile at these ages. Cuts or sores on the penis or vagina raise the risk of HIV infection and STDs during vaginal sex for both men and women. Using a latex male condom or a female condom lowers your risk of getting HIV and STDs through vaginal sex.
How Can I Prevent Hiv Transmission And Stds During Anal Sex
Unprotected anal sex with a person who has HIV or another STD, or whose HIV or STD status you do not know, is the highest-risk sexual activity for both men and women. The walls of the anus and rectum are thin and have many blood vessels than can be injured during anal sex. Injured tissue in the anus and rectum can expose you to HIV and other STDs. Male latex condoms used with a water-based lubricant reduces the chance of tissue and skin tearing and lowers the risk of transmitting disease during anal sex. However, even with lubrication, male condoms fail more often during anal sex than during vaginal or oral sex. Female condoms should not be used for anal sex, as they do not provide adequate protection. Because use of the female condom during anal sex requires removal of the inner ring, the female condom is unlikely to stay in place during anal intercourse.
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Do Condoms Prevent Hiv
Condoms can help prevent transmission of HIV and other STIs. They do this because they form a barrier that viruses and bacteria cannot effectively pass through.
According to the , lab studies have found that the barrier created by condoms is effective against even the tiniest pathogens, including HIV.
However, results from lab tests can be different from whats found in daily life.
This is because its possible that people may not use condoms consistently or correctly during sex.
Data collected by the National Institutes of Health from both lab and epidemiological studies estimates that, when used consistently and correctly, condoms lower the risk of HIV transmission by about
Lets examine what some of the research says.
Where Can I Get Free Condoms
There are many places to get free condoms, including sexual health clinics, Planned Parenthood health centers, local health departments, and more. Your school and doctors office are great places to start. Many nurses stations have free condoms available, and colleges tend to give students free condoms at various places throughout campus.
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How To Put On A Female Condom
Follow these steps to put on a female condom:
How Effective Are Condoms At Preventing The Sexual Transmission Of Hiv
Condoms are a highly effective strategy to help prevent the sexual transmission of HIV when they are used consistently and correctly. They have been well studied in laboratory tests. It has been determined that condoms made of latex, polyurethane, nitrile and polyisoprene are impermeable to HIV, meaning that HIV cannot pass through them.
Condoms can fail to prevent an exposure to HIV if they break, slip or leak during sex. These types of mechanical condom failures are relatively rare, with studies estimating that external condoms fail between 0.4% and 6.5% of the time and that internal condoms fail between 0.1% and 5.6% of the time.
In studies of condom breakage, slippage and leakage, it was not possible to know how many participants were using condoms correctly. However, research suggests that rates of condom failure decrease with more frequent condom use and more experiences of previous failure. This evidence all points to the conclusion that over time people learn to use condoms correctly and this reduces failure rates. However, a risk of failure is always possible, even for experienced condom users who use condoms consistently and correctly.
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