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Contraception - Background information
How effective is the male condom in preventing sexually transmitted infections?
- Evidence supports the use of condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, even with consistent and correct use, infections may still be transmitted.
- Randomized controlled trials have found that the consistent and correct use of male latex condoms can reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
- Condoms should not be lubricated with spermicide (nonoxinol-9) because this may increase the risk of HIV transmission.
- Experimental or observational studies have found that the consistent and correct use of condoms reduced the risk of transmission of the following organisms and diseases:
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Herpes simplex virus
- Genital human papilloma virus (HPV). Male latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can increase the rates of clearance of HPV and regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B. There is insufficient evidence to determine the efficacy of condoms in preventing transmission of hepatitis A and C. Condoms (without spermicidal lubricant) may be advisable during infectious episodes.
[FFPRHC, 2007a]
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