HIV Prevention with Condoms

Introduction to Condom Effectiveness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that external latex condoms, when used correctly and consistently, provide the strongest protection against HIV infection compared to other sexually transmitted infections, as demonstrated by multiple cohort studies of serodiscordant couples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Infections transmitted between mucosal surfaces, such as HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, are more effectively prevented by condoms than those transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2
Skin-to-skin transmitted infections, such as herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, and syphilis, may have reduced protection if the infectious area is not covered by the condom, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1

Condom failure typically results from incorrect or inconsistent use rather than breakage, with breakage rates of ≤2 per 100 condoms, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Correct use requires applying the condom before any genital contact, using water-based lubricants only, withdrawing while erect, and using a new condom for each act, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2

The American College of Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize HIV as the primary infection for which condoms provide the most robust protection based on the strongest evidence 1, 2
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges limitations for skin-to-skin transmitted infections while still recommending consistent use 1