What are “safe sex” and “safer sex?
“Safe sex” and “safer sex” mean having sex using condoms and spermicide. This is supposed to give some protection from pregnancy and STDs, but offers no protection from the emotional problems that result from premature sexual activity. Back to top 15. Is safer sex realistic? Let’s look at some facts about condoms. Condoms are supposed to prevent pregnancy by putting a rubber barrier between your skin and the sperm. However, sometimes the rubber falls off or breaks. Because of this, the failure rate for pregnancy is so high that if you have sex twice a week, about once a month the condom might fail. Back to top 16. 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, no
“Safe sex” and “safer sex” mean having sex using condoms and spermicide. This is supposed to give some protection from pregnancy and STDs, but offers no protection from the emotional problems that result from premature sexual activity. Back to top 15. Is safer sex realistic? Let’s look at some facts about condoms. Condoms are supposed to prevent pregnancy by putting a rubber barrier between your skin and the sperm. However, sometimes the rubber falls off or breaks. Because of this, the failure rate for pregnancy is so high that if you have sex twice a week, about once a month the condom might fail. Back to top 16. Do condoms prevent the spread of AIDS? 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 av
