Do Condoms Prevent STDs?

Direct observation is not a possibility for researchers compiling data on the effectiveness of condom use. The percentage of men who always use condoms compared to those who almost always use them is dependent on self-reporting by the subjects of the study. It can be compared to the little boy who put his hand in the cookie jar. His mom can never be sure whether he had a cookie before dinner or not. The boy may regret eating the cookie and lie about it.

The statistics on condom use may be affected by the veracity of the subjects as well as each man's ability to apply a condom correctly. Thus, indication of effectiveness is subject to doubt. This study flaw does not render the findings useless. It does leave room for the results to be slightly flawed in regards to exact percentages.

STDs can be transmitted by an exchange of semen or vaginal fluids or by infected fluids touching the skin. There is a portion of the genital area not covered by the male condom. The female condom provides additional protection because it covers more of the female's external genital area. Latex condoms definitely provide the best protection from STDs, but truthfully, there is only one 100% sure protection and that is abstinence.

The latex condom tested in the lab proves it to be impermeable to STD infection. The particles carrying infection are too large to pass through the barrier provided by latex. This protects from STDs transmitted through discharge. There is a lower degree of protection from the genital ulcer diseases that are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.

Therefore, the research findings show that consistent and correctly applied use of the latex condom gives the best possible protection from STDs. The condom itself can be tested under perfect laboratory conditions. But, in the real world, where testing cannot be observed, it is subject to human error.

Do Condoms Prevent STDS? - Find out at the Male Sexual Health Shop.