Do Male Condoms Protect Against STDs?

The following safe sex recommendations concerning condoms and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are based on current scientific information. That information is concerned with

• how different STDs are transmitted,
• the physical properties of condoms,
• the anatomic coverage or protection that condoms provide, and
• epidemiologic studies of condom use and STD risk.
• By condoms here are meant latex or vinyl male condoms, though female condoms are also available. S
• exually transmitted diseases (STDs) are now known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, condoms are highly effective in keeping you prevent pregnancy, and transmission of STDs like

• HIV
• Gonnorhea
• Syphilis
• Chancroid 
• Hepatitis B
• Genital herpes
• Zika virus

Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of getting other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including discharge and genital ulcer diseases.

While the effect of condoms in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer, an HPV-associated disease.

There are two primary ways that STDs can be transmitted.

1. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis - the discharge diseases - are transmitted when infected semen or vaginal fluids contact mucosal surfaces (for example, the male urethra, the vagina or cervix).
2. Bodily fluids must be exchanged through oral, anal, or vaginal sex. In contrast, genital ulcer diseases - genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid, HIV are primarily transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucosal surfaces.

Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

AIDS is, by far, the most deadly sexually transmitted disease, and considerably more scientific evidence exists regarding condom effectiveness for prevention of HIV infection than for other STDs. The body of research on the effectiveness of latex condoms in preventing sexual transmission of HIV among people is both comprehensive and conclusive. In fact, the ability of latex condoms to prevent transmission of HIV has been scientifically established in "real-life" studies of sexually active couples as well as in laboratory studies.

Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.

Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are termed discharge diseases because they are sexually transmitted by genital secretions, such as semen or vaginal fluids. HIV is also transmitted by genital secretions.

Studies have demonstrated that latex condoms provide an essentially impermeable barrier to particles the size of STD viruses, fungi, and bacteria. The physical properties of latex condoms protect against discharge diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, by providing a barrier to the genital secretions that transmit STD-causing organisms.

• Genital ulcer diseases like herpes and HPV infections can occur in both male or female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered.
• Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of getting genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid, only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected.
• The effect of condoms in preventing human papillomavirus infection (HPV) is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer, an HPV-associated diseases.
• Genital ulcer diseases include genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid. These diseases are transmitted primarily through "skin-to-skin" contact from sores/ulcers or infected skin that looks normal.
• HPV infections are transmitted through contact with infected genital skin or mucosal surfaces/fluids.
• Genital ulcer diseases and HPV infection can occur in male or female genital areas that are, or are not, covered (protected by the condom) -- HPV needs only skin-to-skin contact for transmission.
• Protection against genital ulcer diseases and HPV depends on the site of the sore/ulcer or infection.
• Latex or vinyl condoms can only protect against transmission when the ulcers or infections are in genital areas that are covered or protected by the condom so consistent and correct use of latex condoms would be expected to protect against transmission of genital ulcer diseases and HPV in some, but not in all, instances.
• A number of studies do show an association between condom use and a reduced risk of HPV-associated diseases, including
  • genital warts,
  • cervical dysplasia, and
  • cervical cancer.