From the Guidelines
Condoms are highly effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used correctly and consistently, with the most recent evidence from 2024 supporting their use as a crucial method for STI prevention 1. When used perfectly, male condoms are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, meaning that only 2 out of 100 women will become pregnant in a year. However, with typical use (accounting for human error), their effectiveness drops to about 85%, meaning about 15 out of 100 women may become pregnant. For STI prevention, condoms significantly reduce the risk of transmission for many infections including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, as highlighted in a 2020 study on barrier protection use by adolescents during sexual activity 1. They provide less protection against infections transmitted through skin-to-skin contact like herpes, HPV, and syphilis. To maximize effectiveness, condoms should be stored properly away from heat and sharp objects, checked for expiration dates, put on before any genital contact, and used with water-based or silicone-based lubricants (not oil-based, which can damage latex), as recommended in the 1998 guidelines for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases 1. A new condom should be used for each sex act, and proper removal technique is important to prevent spillage. The effectiveness of condoms relies heavily on correct and consistent use during every sexual encounter, emphasizing the need for education and counseling on their proper use, as noted in the 2010 U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use 1. Key points to consider include:
- Correct and consistent use is crucial for effectiveness
- Condoms do not protect against all STIs, particularly those transmitted by skin-to-skin contact
- They are a highly effective method for preventing pregnancy when used correctly
- Education on proper use and handling is essential to maximize their effectiveness, as supported by the 2024 U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use 1.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Condoms
- Condoms are the only available Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs) that can prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, if used correctly and consistently 2.
- Consistent and correct use of condoms can provide levels of pregnancy protection similar to many hormonal methods 2.
- Condoms can reduce the odds of non-viral STI acquisition by 59% if used correctly and consistently 3.
- The correct and consistent use of condoms is associated with statistically significant protection against several STIs, including chlamydial infection, gonorrhoea, herpes simplex virus type 2, and syphilis 4.
Types of Condoms
- Male condoms are generally easy to access at low cost, while female condoms are more expensive and less accessible 2.
- Female condoms have the advantage of being a female-initiated method 2.
Challenges and Advances
- Condom users may experience some common challenges, but recent advances in condom technology have led to new designs and modifications of existing products to improve quality and make them more attractive, acceptable, and pleasurable for consumers 2.
- While condoms are not 100% effective, partial protection can substantially reduce the spread of STIs within populations 4.