Are condoms the answer to rising rates of non-HIV sexually transmitted infections? Yes

doi:10.1136/bmj.39402.488727.AD

BMJ 2008;336:184 (26 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.39402.488727.AD

Head to Head

Are condoms the answer to rising rates of non-HIV sexually transmitted infections? Yes

Markus J Steiner, senior researcher, Willard Cates, president, research

¹ Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA

Correspondence to: W Cates wcates@fhi.org

Related article: doi: 10.1136/bmj.39402.527766.AD

Consistent condom use can reduce the spread of HIV, and MarkusSteiner and Willard Cates believe condoms are the answer toother sexually transmitted infections. But Stephen Genuis arguesthat a more comprehensive approach is needed

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Condoms can and should play a central role in halting the risingrates of sexually transmitted infection other than HIV. Forpeople who are sexually active, condoms remain our best solutionto reducing risks of acquiring sexually transmitted infections(if uninfected) or transmitting these infections (if infected).Strong evidence from laboratory studies and mounting clinicalstudies shows that condoms effectively reduce the risk of transmission. In addition, for specific populations, increased levels ofcondom use have been associated with decreases in reported sexuallytransmitted infections.

Condoms protect the wearer and his partner from infection bycovering the penile glans and shaft, which are the major portalsof entry and exit of sexually transmitted pathogens. Laboratorystudies indicate that latex condoms are an effective physicalbarrier against passage of even the smallest sexually transmittedpathogens.¹

When placed on the penis before any genital contact and usedthroughout intercourse, the condom prevents . . . [Full text of this article]

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Relevant Article

Are condoms the answer to rising rates of non-HIV sexually transmitted infection? No: Stephen J Genuis
BMJ 2008 336: 185. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Condoms and circumcision: David B G Hawker
bmj.com, 25 Jan 2008 [Full text]
condoms not the answer: John Scotson
bmj.com, 25 Jan 2008 [Full text]
condoms not the only answer (& infant circumcision neither an answer, nor acceptable): A.D. Fontain
bmj.com, 26 Jan 2008 [Full text]
A policy for populations versus one for individuals: Christopher M. Buttery
bmj.com, 27 Jan 2008 [Full text]
The risk left after risk reduction can remain high: JOKIN DE IRALA
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Condoms help STI prevention and curbing teenage pregnancies: DAVID GWYNFOR SAMUEL
bmj.com, 29 Jan 2008 [Full text]
Condoms not "the only solution" to prevent Non HIV STDs: Manthan D. Janodia, et al.
bmj.com, 1 Feb 2008 [Full text]
Condom promotion hand in hand with sex education is the only answer: Teena Mathew
bmj.com, 4 Feb 2008 [Full text]
The impact of condoms depends on biological and behavioural context: Helen Ward, et al.
bmj.com, 4 Feb 2008 [Full text]
real world please: penelope a watson
bmj.com, 22 Feb 2008 [Full text]