Condoms are a crucial tool in protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, even when people use them correctly, they do not provide 100% protection against all types of STIs.
Condoms, also known as barrier contraception, are widely available for preventing many STIs. They are thin, flexible pouches that a person can either wear over the penis or that people with vaginas can use internally. Condoms can prevent contact with bodily fluids, reducing a person’s STI risk.
STIs are infections that pass from one person to another through sexual contact. However, some transmit through skin-to-skin contact, meaning that they may still pass between people despite one or both of them wearing condoms.
As such, to help reduce the risk of transmission and support safe sex, people should use condoms correctly, choose the right condoms for them, store them correctly, and control STI risks in other ways.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
According to the
They can help prevent most STIs by stopping or reducing the exchange of bodily fluids. They can also provide a barrier that prevents some skin contact with secretions or sores. Condoms can provide protection against:
However, even when people use them correctly, condoms do not protect against all types of STIs. For example, condoms do not provide as much protection for STIs that cause extra-genital ulcers or lesions, such as genital herpes, genital warts, and syphilis.
Condoms help prevent the transmission of STIs and, with proper use, can also reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies.
Different condoms protect against STIs to different extents. The level of STI protection varies depending on the material from which the manufacturers made the condom, where the user wears it, and which type of sex a person is having.
Advocacy group Planned Parenthood advises that the three different condom materials affect their level of STI protection in the following ways:
- Latex condoms: As the most common type, these consist of rubber and can protect against pregnancy and STIs. However, oil-based lubricants can damage latex, so people should only use water- or silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms.
- Non-latex condoms: These consist of plastics such as polyurethane, nitrile, or polyisoprene, and people often use them due to latex allergy. These can reduce the risk of STIs and pregnancy, and people can use any lube with them, except for polyisoprene condoms, which oil-based lubricants can also damage.
- Animal skin condoms: Manufacturers use the linings of animal intestines, often those of sheep, to make these condoms. They do not protect against STIs but may reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy. They are safe for those with latex allergy and can withstand any lubricant.
External and internal condoms also provide different levels of protection against STIs.
- External condoms: A person wears an external condom over the outside of their penis. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), wearing a condom during every sexual encounter is the most effective way to prevent STI transmission.
- Internal condoms: These are wearable inside the vagina or anus during sex. They have an inner ring, and the user can push the condom in with their finger. The outer ring should stay outside the vagina or anus. These can reduce the risk of STIs during vaginal sex, but not enough data confirm their effectiveness during anal sex.
Condoms are the most effective method for reducing the risk of STI transmission. However, they are not 100% effective at preventing transmission, especially if a person does not use them correctly. According to
- Gonorrhea: More than 90% protection
- Chlamydia: 50% to 90% protection
- Syphilis: 50% to 71% protection with correct use, 29% with typical use
- HIV: More than 90% protection, approximately 85% with correct use
- Hepatitis B virus: More than 90% protection
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), or genital herpes: 10% to 50% protection, approximately 40% reduction in transmission
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): No significant protection
Condoms are less effective in preventing genital herpes and HPV, which can
The risk of STI transmission increases if a condom breaks or a condom user has not put it on correctly and safely.
While not all condoms provide the same level of protection for every STI, a person can take steps to reduce the risk of transmission.
Planned Parenthood advises that the best way to make condoms effective is to use them correctly during every instance of vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This means the following:
- keeping them rolled down the penis before any skin-to-skin contact occurs
- only wearing one external condom at a time
- not using an internal and external condom at the same time
- checking the expiry date to confirm that the condom is still usable
- storing condoms in a cool, dry place and avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or sharp objects
- avoiding keeping condoms in a pocket, bathroom, or car for longer than a month to prevent moisture or heat damage
- using a lubricant that will not damage the condom
- carefully removing the condom after sex and keeping fluids away from sexual partners
Using condoms safely is the most effective way to reduce STI transmission aside from
- receiving vaccinations for HPV and hepatitis B, especially as condoms do not prevent HPV transmission
- having fewer sex partners or practicing mutual monogamy with a partner who has tested negative for STIs
- receiving regular tests for STIs and sharing all results with recent and current sexual partners
People can also explore options for individuals at higher risk of acquiring certain STIs. For example, to help prevent HIV, a person can use preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This is a prophylactic treatment containing antiviral medication, which can help lower the risk of acquiring HIV.
Sexually active people can reduce their exposure to health risks by being open with a healthcare professional. Clinical professionals can help individuals choose the most appropriate STI checks at the right time, especially as many STIs do not cause symptoms.
According to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following table explains
| Age/Sex Group | Recommended Intervals for STI Testing |
|---|---|
| All sexually active people ages 13 to 64 | HIV: At least once yearly Gonorrhea and chlamydia: Yearly |
| Females age 25 years and older with risk factors such as new partners, multiple partners, or a partner with a confirmed STI | Talk with a healthcare professional about throat and rectal testing options for the throat and rectum |
| Pregnant people | Syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C: Starting early in pregnancy, with repeat testing possibly necessary |
| Pregnant people at risk | The standard pregnancy STI check as well as chlamydia and gonorrhea: Starting early in pregnancy, with repeat testing possibly necessary |
| Sexually active, gay males, bisexual males, or males who have sex with males | Syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea: At least once a year or every 3 to 6 months if a person has multiple or anonymous partners HIV: At least once a year, or every 3 to 6 months depending on risk factors Hepatitis C: At least once yearly if living with HIV |
| Anyone who shares injection drug equipment | HIV: At least once yearly |
| People who have had oral or anal sex | Talk with a healthcare professional about throat and rectal testing options for the throat and rectum |
Confidential free or low cost testing clinics are available for people who do not feel comfortable discussing sexual health with their usual physician or medical professional.
A positive STI test result can cause concern. However, treatments are available for many common STIs, and some are completely curable.
Speak to any partners about positive STI results and discuss the next steps for preventing transmission and treating the infection with a clinician.
Some clinical departments can inform a partner that they experienced an STI exposure without naming the individual who received the test for those who do not feel comfortable discussing it with partners.
Wearing a condom is one of the most effective ways to prevent STI transmission. However, they do not protect against all types of STIs.
Condoms provide less protection for STIs that pass from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, such as HPV and genital herpes. Not all types of condoms are equally effective at preventing STI transmission.
Using condoms correctly and consistently is among the best methods for preventing STI transmission. It is also advisable to store them correctly and avoid lubricants that may damage the condom.
Wearing a condom does not remove the need for regular STI testing in sexually active people, as this can help to identify and treat STIs they may still have acquired.