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

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

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

Consistent condom use can reduce the spread of HIV, and Markus Steiner and Willard Cates believe condoms are the answer to other sexually transmitted infections. But Stephen Genuis argues that 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 rising rates of sexually transmitted infection other than HIV. For people who are sexually active, condoms remain our best solution to reducing risks of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (if uninfected) or transmitting these infections (if infected). Strong evidence from laboratory studies and mounting clinical studies shows that condoms effectively reduce the risk of transmission. In addition, for specific populations, increased levels of condom use have been associated with decreases in reported sexually transmitted infections.

Condoms work

Condoms protect the wearer and his partner from infection by covering the penile glans and shaft, which are the major portals of entry and exit of sexually transmitted pathogens. Laboratory studies indicate that latex condoms are an effective physical barrier against passage of even the smallest sexually transmitted pathogens.¹

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

Condoms in context

A to Z of prevention strategies for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

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Related 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
bmj.com, 28 Jan 2008 [Full text]

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]