Condom Effectiveness Against STIs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Condom Effectiveness Against STIs: Your Questions Answered

Concerned about your brother： Using condoms can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but it is not 100% effective. <br>There are indeed cases where individuals have contracted infections even while using condoms, although these instances are not common. <br>

I'm anxious!! I have an urgent question!!

Hello, Dr.
Hsu.
I have some personal concerns that I would like to ask you about.
A few days ago, I discovered that my brother visited a massage parlor for sex.
He told me that he used a condom throughout vaginal intercourse and that it did not break or slip off.
However, I am very worried, so I would like to ask you a few questions.
Thank you for your help.
First, regarding the material of condoms, under the assumption that there is no slippage or breakage, can syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV pass through a condom? Although the government, hospitals, the Centers for Disease Control, and various related organizations strongly promote the message "Always use a condom" and "Condoms provide protection," is it really effective?
Secondly, if using condoms is effective, what is the approximate reduction in risk of infection when condoms are used correctly throughout intercourse without slippage or breakage?
Furthermore, I believe that the vast majority of infections are primarily due to high-risk sexual behaviors (i.e., incorrect use or not using condoms) or sharing needles for drug use.
However, do you know of any cases in the country where individuals have been infected with syphilis, gonorrhea, or HIV despite using condoms correctly throughout sexual intercourse (with no slippage or breakage) and without any other fluid contact such as deep kissing, fingering, or manual stimulation?
Lastly, is the data published by the Centers for Disease Control regarding the risk of contracting HIV from unprotected sexual activities reliable? You can find this information at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/qa.aspx?treeid=BEAC9C103DF952C4&nowtreeid=0A30CEDBFFAB4F8F.
Thank you very much, Dr.
Hsu.
I am really worried about my brother's situation.

Dānxīn dìdì de jiějiě, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/08/16

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Concerned about your brother: Using condoms can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but it is not 100% effective.
There are indeed cases where individuals have contracted infections even while using condoms, although these instances are not common.
Otherwise, global health organizations would not be so proactive in promoting consistent condom use.
The official data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been verified and is reliable.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Online answers should only serve as a reference; it is still necessary to seek medical care at healthcare facilities if needed.
This response is provided by Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2013/08/16

More Info

Hello! It's great that you're seeking information about condom effectiveness and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Can STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV pass through condoms?
Condoms are highly effective barriers against many STIs, including HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis, when used correctly. The materials used in most condoms, such as latex or polyurethane, are designed to prevent the transmission of these infections. However, it's important to note that while condoms significantly reduce the risk of transmission, they do not provide 100% protection. For instance, STIs that are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact (like herpes or HPV) can still be transmitted if the infected area is not covered by the condom.
2. How effective are condoms in reducing the risk of STIs?
When used consistently and correctly, condoms can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 85% or more. For other STIs, the effectiveness can vary, but studies suggest that condoms can reduce the risk of gonorrhea and chlamydia by about 50-70%. It's crucial to ensure that the condom is put on before any genital contact and that it remains intact throughout the sexual encounter.

3. Are there documented cases of infection despite correct condom use?
While rare, there have been documented cases where individuals contracted STIs despite using condoms correctly. These instances are often attributed to factors such as the presence of sores or lesions not covered by the condom, or the condom being compromised in some way that wasn't immediately apparent. However, these cases are exceptions rather than the rule. The vast majority of infections occur due to inconsistent or incorrect condom use.

4. Is the data from the CDC reliable?
The CDC is a reputable source for public health information, and their statistics regarding the risk of HIV transmission through various sexual practices are based on extensive research. The risk estimates they provide are grounded in epidemiological studies and reflect the best available evidence. However, individual risk can vary based on numerous factors, including the presence of other STIs, the viral load of an HIV-positive partner, and the type of sexual activity.

In conclusion, while no method is foolproof, using condoms correctly and consistently is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of STIs, including HIV. It's also essential for your brother to get tested regularly, especially after engaging in high-risk behaviors, and to communicate openly with partners about sexual health. If you or your brother have further concerns, consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice and testing is always a good idea.
I hope this information helps alleviate some of your concerns! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

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