What is meant by “consistent” condom use?
Consistent condom use means using a condom 100% of the time during every sex act. Few individuals actually manage to use condoms consistently and correctly for any length of time. Typical condom use is inconsistent. Studies have shown that even in couples in which one partner is known to be infected with HIV, consistent use was attained by only 45% of the participants. How do teens fare? A study conducted over a period of six months found that “always” condom use was reported by adolescent females only 13% of the time. In another study, just 50% of females reported consistent condom use. Generally, adolescent males report slightly more condom use than females. Unfortunately, inconsistent use provides little to no risk reduction for most STIs. According to a National Institutes of Health panel on condom effectiveness, even if 100% consistent condom use could be attained, it would not totally eliminate the risk of acquiring any sexually transmitted infection, including HIV.
