Do condoms prevent the spread of AIDS?
The failure rate for AIDS/HIV transmission is even higher than pregnancy rate because of a naturally occuring defect in the latex rubber used to make most condoms. In the 1800’s, an English doctor discovered that the rubber barrier also gave some protection against STDs. However, all the STDs known at the time were caused by bacteria, not viruses. This may not seem like a problem, but actually it is: viruses are much smaller than bacteria. Rubber is a natural product, and it naturally has microscopic holes or pores in it. These holes are smaller than bacteria or sperm, so bacteria and sperm don’t go through the rubber. However, the virus that causes AIDS is hundreds of times smaller than the bacteria, so the rubber doesn’t necessarily stop the virus. How big are these pores? If a bacteria is the size of a house, the holes in the rubber are the size of a window and the virus is the size of a baseball. So the rubber condom is likely to let the virus right through. Back to top 17. Is sexu
According to the Centers for Disease Control, rubber condoms can be highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV when used consistently and correctly. However, inconsistent use can lead to STD acquisition because transmission can occur with a single act of intercourse with an infected partner. The most reliable way to avoid transmission of HIV is to abstain from sexual activity or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Back to top 17. Is sexual activity safe if it doesn’t include intercourse? Because of the problems with condoms, some people recommend mutual masturbation. There are several drawbacks to this approach. The AIDS virus attacks white blood cells, so wherever there are white blood cells, AIDS may be transmitted. White blood cells are abundant in the mucous membranes nose, mouth, and genitals. Where there is contact with the mucous membranes of an infected person, the virus may be transmitted. All sexual activity inv
