Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during intercourse. Organizations around the world recommend condom use for the prevention of pregnancy and HIV/STIs.

The American Social Health Association (ASHA) supports the promotion and use of male latex condoms to limit the spread of sexually transmitted infections and their harmful consequences.  Condoms are effective when people use them correctly and consistently.

The surest way to avoid transmission of STIs is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is not infected with any sexually transmitted infections. 

People who choose to be sexually active must have access to information and options to reduce their risk. 

And for the millions of people who have previously acquired a viral sexually transmitted infection, effective measures must be taken to protect any future partners from infection: In the United States, there are more than 50 million people estimated to have genital herpes, 20 million people with HPV, and over 1 million people estimated to have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. 

The male latex condom effectively reduces the risk of STD transmission when used correctly and consistently.

• Numerous studies have shown that latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
• Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, have been shown to reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
• Correct and consistent use of male latex condoms reduces the risk of transmitting genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid when the infected area or site of potential exposure is covered and protected. 
• Some studies show that, for those who already have a clinically apparent genital HPV infection, using condoms promotes the regression of HPV lesions in both women and men and have been associated with lower rates of cervical cancer in women.
• Consistent condom use reduces the risk of recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and related complications.

For further reading:

Bleeker MC et al. 2003. Condom use promotes regression of human papillomavirus-associated penile lesions in male sexual partners of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. International Journal of Cancer, 104, 804-810.

Crosby RA et al. 2003. The value of consistent condom use: a study of sexually transmitted disease prevention among African American adolescent females. American Journal of Public Health, 93, 901-902.

Hogewoning CJ et al. 2003. Condom use promotes regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and clearance of human papillomavirus: A randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Cancer, 107, 811-816.

Holmes KK, Levine R, Weaver M. 2004. Effectiveness of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted infections. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 82, 454-464.

Ness RB et al. 2004. Condom use and the risk of recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, or infertility following an episode of pelvic inflammatory disease. American Journal of Public Health, 2004, 94:1327-1329.

Shlay JC et al. 2004. Comparison of sexually transmitted disease prevalence by reported level of condom use among patients attending an urban sexually transmitted disease clinic. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 31, 154-160.

Winer R et al. 2005. The effect of consistent condom use on the risk of genital HPV infection among newly sexually active young women. Presented at the International Society for Sexually Transmitted Disease Research (ISSTDR), Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 11 July 2005. <www.isstdr.nl>.