You cannot tell by looking at a person’s physical appearance if they’re HIV+ or if they have an STI, and very often, the person themselves don’t know if they’re suffering from a disease that could be transmitted through sexual contact,using a condom consistently and correctly is your way of taking control, protecting yourself and your future health.
How effective are condoms at preventing HIV and STIs?
According to a UNAIDS (United Nations Programme on HIV and Aids) statement from March 2009: “The male latex condom is the single most efficient available technology to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.”
Condoms versus STIs
STIs are transmitted from one person to another through one of two ways – either through bodily fluids or from infected skin-on-skin contact.
Scientific research has proven that consistent and correct use of latex condoms is effective in preventing the spread of HIV infection and other STIs. Studies have also shown that among sero-discordant couples (one partner is HIV+ and the other is HIV-) consistent use of condoms can help the HIV- partner remain negative.
USE IT RIGHT
Male condoms must be used consistently and correctly to provide maximum protection against HIV and STIs.
- Use a new condom from start to finish each time you have sex.
- A condom should be put on as soon as there is an erection and before there is any sexual contact between partners.
- After removing the condom from the packaging, hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the penis, leaving space at the tip of the condom, but making sure there is no air trapped in the tip.
- Immediately after ejaculation, withdraw from your partner, making sure you hold the condom in place to prevent it from slipping off.
