Abesha Care HIV/AIDS Initiative

How Effective Are Latex Condoms in Preventing HIV?

Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in
preventing heterosexual sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Research on the effectiveness of latex condoms in preventing heterosexual
transmission is both comprehensive and conclusive. The ability of latex condoms
to prevent transmission has been scientifically established in laboratory studies as
well as in epidemiologic studies of uninfected persons at very high risk of infection
because they were involved in sexual relationships with HIV-infected partners. The
most recent meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies of condom effectiveness was
published by Weller and Davis in 2004. This analysis refines and updates their
previous report published in 1999. The analysis demonstrates that the consistent
use of latex condoms provides a high degree of protection against heterosexual
transmission of HIV. It should be noted that condom use cannot provide absolute
protection against HIV. The surest way to avoid transmission of HIV is to abstain
from sexual intercourse or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship
with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected

REFERENCE
CDC. HIV and AIDS: Are You at Risk?
Content Source: Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

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