Effectiveness of male latex condoms in preventing sexually
transmitted infections including HIV Condoms are the only
contraceptive method proven to reduce the risk of sexually
transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. They can be used
as a dual-purpose method, both for prevention of pregnancy and
protection against STIs. An extensive review was conducted by a
panel convened by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in June 2000 in
the United States of America, with the participation of WHO. The
review concluded that condoms, when used correctly and
consistently, are effective for preventing HIV infection in
women and men and gonorrhoea in men. For other STIs, however,
the available data are less complete. The key findings of the
report are: - The consistent use of male latex condoms
significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection in men and women
and of gonorrhoea in men; - Laboratory studies have established
the impermeability of male latex condoms to