Just How Effective Are Condoms As Protection Against Aids Transmission

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies condoms as "medical devices"; therefore regulates them. U.S.A. manufacturers who make condoms must perform tests ensuring they are not defective (contain holes). When condoms are used during sexual intercourse (either anal, oral or vaginal); it can reduce the risk of receiving or transmitting diseases including HIV infection. Only latex or polyurethane condoms provide a highly mechanical barrier that is effective against the HIV virus. Other types of condoms cannot provide this protection; so you have to be careful that for the protection against AIDS virus during sexual intercourse that you use the latex or polyurethane condoms and not the "skin or lambskin" condoms. Maximum protection can only be realized when condoms are used each and every time you have intercourse. Studies have shown that latex condom's have a 2% breakage rate in the U.S.A. so even the latex condoms are not 100% protection.

A survey showed that fifty percent of men surveyed feel that condom usage decreases sexual pleasure for them. This could contribute to the practice of inconsistently using condoms that could result in increased risk for HIV virus transmission. Studies have shown that education concerning condom use; attitude and also usage have a lot of influence on the effectiveness of the condom to protect against the spread of the AIDS virus. Experts believe that of the two-thirds who have AIDS in the United States because of having sex with an infected partner many of them could have avoided this deadly disease if only they had used a latex condom.

It is especially important to use the protection that a condom brings if you are a pregnant woman having sex because if the woman received the AIDS virus her unborn baby is also at risk for AIDS. It is important to know that, as condoms are the only birth control that protects against sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS.

It is wise to use a condom especially if you participate in any risky sexual behavior like:

Having multiple sexual partners

Having same sex partners

Having sex with someone who shared needles with someone who has AIDS

Past Sexual partners that the person you are having sex with may be infected with AIDS

You are unsure of your sexual partner whether or not they have AIDS or have been exposed to AIDS
The use of condoms will not guarantee that you won't be infected with the AIDS virus during intercourse but it will be less risky. The only really safe sex, is no sex.

Why are condoms 98% effective against the AIDS virus?
1. There is a 2% breakage rate, therefore 98% effective rate.
2. A condom's purpose is to act as a barrier against blood, semen and vaginal fluids being able to pass from one partner to the other during intercourse.

What to look for when purchasing condoms
Make sure you read the package to see what kind of condoms they are. You want latex condoms. Make sure the package actually says that the condoms are designed to prevent disease. Price does not dictate effectiveness. "Novelty" type condoms are usually for sexual pleasure and are not designed for disease protection.

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