Are condoms really effective in preventing HIV transmission?
Quality-assured condoms are the only products currently available to protect against sexual infection by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When used properly, condoms are a proven and effective means for preventing HIV infection in women and men. Based on research between discordant couples (one HIV-negative and one HIVpositive), condoms have been found to be 90% effective. The vast majority of condom failures result not from leakage or permeability of the latex material, but from improper use, breakage, or slippage. It is important to emphasize that an effectiveness of 90% for condoms does not mean HIV transmission will take place in 10% of sexual acts in which condoms are used. This means that each time a person has sex using a condom, he or she reduces their risk to acquire HIV by 90%.
