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Can Condoms Prevent STDs?
When used correctly and consistently every time you have sex, condoms have been shown to be 98% effective against the transmission of STDs. However, condoms do not protect against all forms of sexually transmitted diseases, so the most reliable way to avoid an STD completely is to abstain from sexual activity or have a mutually monogamous sexual partnership with an uninfected person.
While any STD/STI can be transmitted even while using a condom, the most common are those that spread through skin-to-skin contact:
Sadly, many people are unaware that they are infected with an STD since many STDs do not have associated symptoms. The only way to know for sure if you or your partner have an STD is to get regular screenings and testing.
If you were infected with an STD or STI because your sexual partner failed to disclose their condition, you may be able to seek justice through an STD lawsuit. Get in touch with KMD Law for more information.
Using a Condom Properly
When using a condom, it’s critical to use it correctly and consistently to prevent you from contracting an STD. To ensure you and your partner understand how the condom should be used correctly, read the packaging labels for instructions. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Use a condom every time you are engaging in sexual activity.
- Put on the condom before having sex.
- Read the packaging and check the expiration date. Do not use condoms if they are expired as they may lose their effectiveness or break.
- Check the condom for tears or breaks before using it.
- Store condoms in a cool, dry place.
- Use latex or polyurethane condoms (lambskin condoms are not as effective since the natural pores in the material can be large enough for viruses like HIV, HPV, and bacteria like gonorrhea and chlamydia to go through.
- When using lubricants, stick to silicone-based lubricants to prevent the condom from breaking. Using baby oil or oil-based lubricants can damage the latex.
Using Female Condoms
Female condoms, also known as internal condoms, can also be used to protect against STDs. They are an internal barrier that is inserted into the vagina before having sex. If you are going to use an internal condom, it’s critical to follow directions and practice how to insert them correctly to be effective. Just like male condoms, female condoms are not reusable. While male condoms are 98% effective against STDs, female condoms are slightly less effective at 95%.
How Often Are People Using Condoms?
According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during 2011 and 2015, 23.5% of women and 33.7% of men between the ages of 15 and 44 used a condom at their last sexual intercourse in the past 12 months. Here are some other statistics related to condom use of men and women between the ages of 14 and 44:
- Among condom users, 59.9% of women and 56.4% of men used only a condom and no other method during their last intercourse in the past 12 months.
- 25% of women and 33.2% of men used condoms with hormonal methods
- 15.1% of women and 10.5% of men used condoms plus non-hormonal methods
- During any intercourse in the prior four weeks, 18.2% of women and 23.9% of men used condoms 100% of the time.
- 7% of women who used a condom in the past four weeks reported that the condom broke or completely fell off during intercourse or withdrawal.
- 25.8% of women said the condom was used for only part of the time during intercourse
While condoms can effectively prevent STD transmission, it’s critical to understand that most STDs can still be transmitted through oral sex.
When Your Partner Refuses to Wear a Condom
Communicating with your sexual partner is critical when it comes to protection from STDs. Ask your partner why he doesn’t want to use a condom. Your partner is undoubtedly aware of the risks of unprotected sex, so tell him how you feel about it.
Don’t let your partner guilt you into going without protection. If you are unsure of your partner’s STD status, you both must get tested negative for STDs before continuing to move forward with a sexual relationship to avoid transmitting an STD.
When left untreated, many types of STDs can lead to long-term complications. For example, chlamydia can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). HPV can lead to cervical cancer. Staying protected during sex can prevent a variety of health problems.
What to Do If Your Partner Infected You with an STD
If you contracted an STD l from a sexual partner who failed to inform you of their STD status, you might have grounds to pursue an STD lawsuit. Learning you have an STD is a shocking experience. Receiving compensation through an STD lawsuit can help you ease the stresses of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We understand that privacy is important to you, and calling out a sexual partner who gave you an STD can be difficult. Our caring lawyers understand your fears and concerns and are here to protect your rights and provide you with support when going through a difficult time.
Contact KMD Lawat (833) 456-3529 to schedule a consultation.
