Are condoms the answer to rising rates of non-HIV sexually transmitted infection?
BMJ 2008; 336 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0803096 (Published 01 March 2008) Cite this as: BMJ 2008;336:0803096
- Markus J Steiner, senior researcher1,
- Willard Cates, president, research1,
- Stephen J Genuis, associate clinical professor1
- 1Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- 2University of Alberta, 2935-66 Street, Eedmonton, AB, Canada T6K 4C1
YES 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 direct contact with semen; genital lesions and subclinical viral shedding on the glans and shaft of the penis; and penile, vaginal, or anal discharges. Thus, condoms reduce the risk of infections that are transmitted primarily to or from the penile urethra such as HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and hepatitis B. Condoms also reduce the risk of infections that are transmitted primarily through skin or mucosal surfaces when these areas are covered by the condom, such as genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, and human papillomavirus infection.
Although clinical studies have shown inconsistent protective effects for most sexually transmitted infections other than HIV,2 much of this can be attributed to limitations in study design. …
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