Condoms and Their Use in Preventing HIV Infection and Other STDs With more than 1 million Americans infected with HIV, most of them through sexual transmission, and an estimated 12 million other sexually transmitted diseases occurring each year in the United States, effective strategies for preventing these diseases are critical. In fact, recent studies provide compelling evidence that latex condoms are highly effective in protecting against HIV infection when used properly for every act of intercourse. In a study of discordant couples in Europe, among 123 couples who reported consistent condom use, none of the uninfected partners became infected. As these studies indicate, condoms must be used consistently and correctly to provide maximum protection.
Consistent use means using a condom from start to finish with each act of intercourse.
Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis, leaving space at the tip of the condom, yet ensuring that no air is trapped in the condom's tip. Oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, cold cream, hand lotion, or baby oil, can weaken the condom. Withdraw from the partner immediately after ejaculation, holding the condom firmly to keep it from slipping off. There continues to be misinformation and misunderstanding about condom effectiveness. This information is based on findings from recent epidemiologic, laboratory, and clinical studies.