The American Social Health Association (ASHA) supports the promotion and use of male latex condoms as a public health prevention measure designed 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 sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) 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.
For millions of people who have previously acquired a viral sexually transmitted infection, however, effective measures must be taken to protect any future partners from infection. In the United States, there are 50 million people estimated to be infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV), 20 million people estimated to be infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), and 850,000-950,000 people estimated to be infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.
Non-viral STDs also remain important public health challenges. Two of these diseases, chlamydia and gonorrhea, are regularly among the leading reportable infectious diseases in the United States.
Many people engage in sexual behaviors that place them at risk for acquiring STDs. Sexually active people must have access to information and options to reduce their risk. 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 can reduce the risk of transmitting genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is covered and protected.
- While the effect of male latex condoms in preventing transmission of human papillomavirus is not known, studies have shown that condom use has been associated with lower rates of cervical cancer in women, an HPV-associated disease.
Therefore, correct and consistent use of male latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of transmission for these infections.
Position as of March 20, 2003
For more information on male latex condoms and their roles in STD prevention see:
The NIH Condom Report: The Class is 90% Full
The Guttmacher Report on Public Policy
Fact Sheets
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Condom Fact Sheet
Planned Parenthood The Truth About Condoms
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States
CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention Clearance Memo
*The provision of Web site links on this page are provided for information purposes only. The list should not be viewed as comprehensive, or as an endorsement of any particular organization.
