Temporary Disabled. :) please Go back Condoms: Effectiveness, History and Availability www.fgks.org » Address: [go: up one dir, main page] Include Form Remove Scripts Accept Cookies Show Images Show Referer Rotate13 Base64 Strip Meta Strip Title Session Cookies International HIV & AIDS charity DonateFundraising About Us Our Partners Help & Advice Contact Us Facebook Linked in Twitter Newsletter Copyright © AVERT skip to menu Condoms: Effectiveness, History and Availability back to top Effectiveness of condoms Are condoms effective at preventing HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Studies into the effectiveness of condoms have shown that if a latex condom is used correctly every time you have sex, this is highly effective in providing protection against HIV.1 The evidence for the effectiveness of condoms is clearest in studies of couples in which one person is infected with HIV and the other not (discordant couples). In a study of discordant couples in Europe, among 123 couples who reported consistently using condoms, none of the uninfected partners became infected. In contrast, among the 122 couples who used condoms inconsistently, 12 of the uninfected partners became infected.2 A recent review of 14 studies involving discordant couples concluded that consistent use of condoms led to an 80% reduction in HIV incidence.3 In addition, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other STDs, including chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea and syphilis4 5 The male latex condom is the single, most efficient, available technology to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.UNAIDS, WHO and UNFPA6 back to top Using condoms Condoms must be used consistently and correctly to provide maximum protection. Consistent use of condoms means using a condom from start to finish with each act of intercourse. Correct condom use should include:7 Use a new condom for each act of intercourse Put on the condom as soon as erection occurs and before any sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral). Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis, leaving space at the tip of the condom, yet ensuring that no air is trapped in the condom's tip. Adequate lubrication is important, but use only water-based lubricants on latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly (vaseline), cold cream, hand lotion or baby oil can weaken the latex condom and are not recommended. Withdraw from the partner immediately after ejaculation, holding the condom firmly to keep it from slipping off. Find more information about using condoms. How often do condoms fail? “The main reason that condoms sometimes fail is incorrect or inconsistent use, not the failure of the condom itself” There is no one answer to this, as different studies have shown different results. Many studies of condom effectiveness have counted how often women have become pregnant when their partners have used condoms for birth control. This "failure rate" includes cases where the couple did not use a condom every time they had sex, or they did not use the condom correctly. Some studies have included the times the condom was torn accidentally by people using it.8 The main reason that condoms sometimes fail to prevent HIV/STD infection or pregnancy is incorrect or inconsistent use, not the failure of the condom itself. Using oil-based lubricants can weaken the latex, causing the condom to break. Condoms can also be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails. Also, remember to check the expiry date of your condom! How often do condoms break or slip off? A large body of research in the United States has shown that rates of breakage, caused by fault in the condom itself, are less than 2 condoms out of every 100 condoms. Studies also indicate that condoms slip off the penis in about 1-5% of acts of vaginal intercourse and slip down (but not off) about 3-13% of the time.9 Various studies have shown that knowledge and familiarity with the use of condoms reduce the likelihood of condom breakage and slippage during sex.10 A major factor that can lead to a condom breaking or slipping off during sex is it's size, as this can affect how easy it is to put on and how likely it is to stay on. Different sizes of condoms are available, and it is important to make sure that the condom being used is the correct fit.11 How are condoms tested? Different countries have different regulatory agencies. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates condoms to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Condoms in Europe that have been properly tested and approved should carry the CE Mark. Elsewhere in the world, you can find that condoms are approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Also, individual countries may have their own approval marks for condoms, for example, the Kitemark in the UK. WHO guidelines set out a range of test requirements, which are necessary for ensuring the quality of each lot of condoms purchased. Based on international standards set out by the ISO,12 these include tests which establish bursting volume and pressure, and detect holes and other visible defects.13 Examples of the tests used by condom manufacturers include the 'water leak test', which reveals any holes in a condom, and the 'air burst test' or 'tensile test', which show whether a condom is likely to break during use. back to top The history of condoms 1000 BC The use of condoms has been traced back several thousand years. It is believed that around 1000 BC the ancient Egyptians used a linen sheath for protection against disease.14 100 - 200 AD The earliest evidence of condom use in Europe comes from scenes in cave paintings at Combarelles in France.15 There is also some evidence that some form of condom was used in imperial Rome.16 1500s The syphilis epidemic that spread across Europe gave rise to the first published account of the condom. Gabrielle Fallopius described a sheath of linen he claimed to have invented to protect men against syphilis.17 Having been found useful for prevention of infection, it was only later that the usefulness of the condom for the prevention of pregnancy was recognised. Later in the 1500s, one of the first improvements to the condom was made, when the linen cloth sheaths were sometimes soaked in a chemical solution and then allowed to dry prior to use. These were the first spermicides on condoms.18 1700s The first published use of the world 'condum' was in a 1706 poem.19 It has also been suggested that Condom was a doctor in the time of Charles II. It is believed that he invented the device to help the king to prevent the birth of more illegitimate children.20 Even the most famous lover of all, Casanova, was using the condom as a birth control as well as against infection.21 Condoms made out of animal intestines began to be available. However, they were quite expensive and the unfortunate result was that they were often reused. This type of condom was described at the time as "an armour against pleasure, and a cobweb against infection". In the second half of the 1700's, a trade in handmade condoms thrived in London and some shops where producing handbills and advertisements of condoms.22 1800s The use of condoms was affected by technological, economic and social development in Europe and the US in the 1800s. Condom manufacturing was revolutionised by the discovery of rubber vulcanisation by Goodyear (founder of the tyre company) and Hancock. This meant that it was possible to mass produce rubber goods including condoms quickly and cheaply. Vulcanisation is a process, which turns the rubber into a strong elastic material.23 In 1861,the first advertisement for condoms was published in an American newspaper when The New York Times printed an ad. for 'Dr. Power's French Preventatives.' In 1873, the Comstock Law was passed. Named after Anthony Comstock, the Comstock Law made illegal the advertising of any sort of birth control, and it also allowed the postal service to confiscate condoms sold through the mail.24 1900s Until the 1920s, most condoms were manufactured by hand-dipping from rubber cement. These kinds of condoms aged quickly and the quality was doubtful. In 1919, Frederick Killian initiated hand-dipping from natural rubber latex in Ohio. The latex condoms had the advantage of ageing less quickly and being thinner and odourless. These new type of condoms enjoyed a great expansion of sales. By the mid-1930s, the fifteen largest makers in the U.S. were producing 1.5 million condoms a day.25 In 1957, the very first lubricated condom was launched in the UK by Durex.26 From the early 1960s, the use of condoms as a contraceptive device declined as the pill, the coil and sterilisation became more popular.27 The use of the condom increased strikingly in many countries following the recognition of HIV and AIDS in the 1980's. Condoms also became available in pubs, bars, grocery stores and supermarkets. The female condom has been available in Europe since 1992 and it was approved in 1993 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1994, the world's first polyurethane condom for men was launched in the US. The 1990s also saw the introduction of coloured and flavoured condoms. Present day In more recent years, improved technology has enabled the thickness of the condom to decrease. Also, condom manufacturers have recognised that one size of condom does not fit all. You can now find condoms that are different shapes, widths and lengths. back to top Condom availability How many condoms are used each year? According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), an estimated 10.4 billion male condoms were used worldwide in 2005. Of these, around 4.4 billion condoms were used for family planning and 6.0 billion condoms for HIV prevention.28 It has been estimated that in 2015, nearly 18 billion condoms will be needed in low- and middle-income countries.29 Donor support for condoms In most countries where the HIV prevalence rate is high many people cannot afford to purchase condoms. Sexually active adults and teenagers must rely on condoms that are provided for free or sold at a subsidised low price. Governments often supply and promote condoms, but many countries rely almost entirely on donations from outside agencies such as the UNFPA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The UNFPA records information on the quantities of condoms donated to countries worldwide by a range of organisations. Analysis of data collected between 1990 and 2008, as displayed in the graph, shows that the number of condoms donated has risen. Before 1996 however, the supply of condoms was always able to meet the demand, yet in recent years that has not been the case. The UNFPA estimates that at least 13.1 billion condoms were needed in 2005 to significantly reduce the spread of HIV, and another 4.4 billion were required for family planning. The number of condoms donated in 2005 was only 2.3 billion - representing less than 15% of the need. Although numbers rose sharply to 3.1 billion in 2007, they have subsequently decreased again to 2.4 billion in 2008.30 Between 2000 and 2005, fourteen countries received an average of more than 10 donated condoms per man per year. All of these countries have widespread HIV epidemics and, with the exception of Haiti, all of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. At the very top of the list were Congo, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Cape Verde, each of which received more than 20 condoms per man per year. Developing countries outside sub-Saharan Africa tend to receive much lower numbers of donated condoms per man, with an average below one condom per man per year.31 email print tweet more Where Next? AVERT.org has more about: HIV and AIDS prevention Using condoms, condom types and sizes Advice about condoms Overview of HIV prevention Back to top Sign up to our Newsletter Donate References back to top CDC (2008) 'Male latex condoms and sexually transmitted diseases', Fact sheet for public health personnel De Vincenzi I. (1994) 'A longitudinal study of human immunodeficiency virus transmission by heterosexual partners', the New England Journal of Medicine; 331:341-346 Weller SC & Davis-Beaty K (2007), 'Condom effectiveness in reducing heterosexual HIV transmission'. CDC (2008) 'Male latex condoms and sexually transmitted diseases', Fact sheet for public health personnel Holmes K. (2004, June), 'Effectiveness of condoms in preventing STIs' Bulletin of the World Health Organization 82(6). UNAIDS, WHO and UNFPA (2009), 'Position Statement on Condoms and HIV Prevention'. CDC (2008), 'Male Latex Condoms and Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Condom Fact Sheet' Sexuality Information and education Council of the United States (SIECUS) (2002) 'Fact Sheet: The truth about condoms', November CDC (1999) 'Condoms and their use in preventing HIV infection and other STDs', September National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Health and Human Services (2001, 20th July), 'Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention'. UNAIDS (2001, May), 'The Male Latex Condom: 10 Condom Programming Fact Sheets'. International Organization for Standardization, '4074: Natural latex rubber condoms - requirements and test methods'. WHO (2010), 'The Male Latex Condom: Specification and Guidelines for Condom Procurement'. Youssef (1993), 'The history of the condom' Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 86(4). Allen D (2006), 'Condoms: From Inception to Now' Journal of the Health Resource Center 5(2). Himes N.E. (1936) 'Medical history of contraception', Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins in Lewis M. 'A Brief history of condoms' in Mindel A. (2000) 'Condoms', BMJ books Langley L. L. (ed)(1973) 'Contraception' Stroudsburg: Dowden, Hutchinson and Ross in Lewis M. 'A Brief history of condoms' in Mindel A. (2000) 'Condoms', BMJ books Fryer P. (1965) 'the Birth controllers', London: Secker and Warburg and Dingwall EJ. (1953) 'Early contraceptive sheaths' BMJ, Jan 1: 40-1 in Lewis M. 'A Brief history of condoms' in Mindel A. (2000) 'Condoms', BMJ books Fryer P. (1965) 'the Birth controllers', London: Secker and Warburg and Dingwall EJ. (1953) 'Early contraceptive sheaths' BMJ, Jan 1: 40-1 in Lewis M. 'A Brief history of condoms' in Mindel A. (2000) 'Condoms', BMJ books Lewis M. 'A Brief history of condoms' in Mindel A. (2000) 'Condoms', BMJ books Fryer P. (1965) 'the Birth controllers', London: Secker and Warburg and Dingwall EJ. (1953) 'Early contraceptive sheaths' BMJ, Jan 1: 40-1 in Lewis M. 'A Brief history of condoms' in Mindel A. (2000) 'Condoms', BMJ books Himes N.E. (1936) 'Medical history of contraception', Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins in Lewis M. 'A Brief history of condoms' in Mindel A. (2000) 'Condoms', BMJ books Durex, 'History of Condoms' (accessed 11/10/09) and Lewis M. 'A Brief history of condoms' in Mindel A. (2000) 'Condoms', BMJ books Law Library - American Law and Legal Information, 'Comstock law of 1873'. Lewis M. 'A Brief history of condoms' in Mindel A. (2000) 'Condoms', BMJ books Durex, 'History of Condoms' (accessed 11/10/09). Lewis M. 'A Brief history of condoms' in Mindel A. (2000) 'Condoms', BMJ books UNFPA (2005) 'Donor Support for Contraceptives and Condoms for STI/HIV Prevention 2005' Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (2009), 'Contraceptive projections and the donor gap'. UNFPA (2008) 'Donor Support for Contraceptives and Condoms for STI/HIV Prevention 2008'. UNFPA (2005) 'Donor Support for Contraceptives and Condoms for STI/HIV Prevention 2005' english español back to content home pageHIV & AIDS Topics PreventionEpidemicGlobal EpidemicAIDS & HIV Around the WorldAIDS : What is AIDS? What causes AIDS?HIV & AIDS NewsHIV : The virus that causes AIDSReflections on the Epidemic World AIDS DayMoney for HIV/AIDSFunding for HIV and AIDS Money for HIV/AIDSPEPFARThe Global Fund How different people are affected by HIV and AIDS Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)Children orphaned by HIV and AIDSChildren, HIV and AIDSHIV/AIDS and Vulnerable Groups Prisons, Prisoners and HIV/AIDSTransgender People and HIV/AIDSWomen and HIV/AIDSIssuesHIV & Injecting Drug Users HIV & AIDS Stigma and DiscriminationHIV and AIDS IssuesHIV and Sex WorkHistoryHIV and AIDS HistoryAIDS TimelineHistory of AIDS Up to 1986History of AIDS: 1987-1992History of AIDS: 1993-1997History of AIDS: 1998-2002History of AIDS: 2003-2006History of AIDS: 2007 OnwardsAVERT History History of the HIV and AIDS Charity AVERT AVERT: Early 1990s to the start of the InternetAVERT: Overseas projects & developing AVERT.orgAVERT: Southern African projects and AVERT.orgAVERT: The First Five YearsLiving with HIVLiving with HIV and AIDSAm I going to die?Emotional Needs and SupportHIV and PregnancyLearning You Are HIV PositiveLiving with HIV StoriesWhat is living with HIV?PreventionOverview of HIV preventionHIV Prevention Around the WorldIntroduction to HIV PreventionPrevention of HIV transmission from mother to childHIV Transmission from Mother-to-childPreventing Mother-to-child Transmission (PMTCT) in PracticePreventing Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV WHO Guidelines for PMTCT & BreastfeedingPrevention of HIV transmission through bloodBlood Safety and HIVNeedle Exchange and Harm ReductionPrevention of HIV Transmission through BloodAIDS and sex educationAbstinence and Sex EducationHIV Prevention through Sex EducationHIV/AIDS Education and Young PeopleIntroduction to HIV and AIDS EducationLessons and Activity PlansSex Education That WorksPrevention of sexual transmission of HIVCircumcision & HIVCondoms: Effectiveness, History and AvailabilityHIV Prevention StrategiesPrevention of Sexual Transmission of HIVSex Workers and HIV PreventionThe Female CondomUsing Condoms, Condom Types and SizesHIV treatment as preventionHIV Treatment As PreventionHIV Treatment for PreventionPost-exposure Prophylaxis Pre-exposure ProphylaxisScienceHIV scienceA Cure for AIDSA World Free from HIVHIV and AIDS VaccineHIV Causes AIDSHIV Drugs, Vaccines and Animal TestingHIV Structure and Life CycleHIV Types, Subtypes Groups and StrainsMicrobicidesThe Origin of HIV and AIDS StatisticsWorldwide HIV & AIDS StatisticsUnderstanding HIV and AIDS StatisticsWorldwide HIV & AIDS StatisticsWorldwide HIV & AIDS Statistics CommentaryAmerican HIV & AIDS StatisticsUnited States of America HIV & AIDS Statistics Canadian HIV & AIDS StatisticsCanada AIDS Statistics by Year and AgeCanada HIV Statistics SummaryLatin American & Caribbean HIV & AIDS StatisticsCaribbean HIV & AIDS StatisticsLatin America HIV & AIDS StatisticsAfrican HIV & AIDS StatisticsSouth Africa HIV & AIDS StatisticsSub-Saharan Africa HIV & AIDS StatisticsAsian HIV & AIDS StatisticsIndia HIV & AIDS StatisticsSouth East Asia HIV & AIDS StatisticsAustralian HIV & AIDS StatisticsAustralia HIV & AIDS StatisticsEuropean HIV & AIDS StatisticsEuropean HIV and AIDS StatisticsUK HIV and AIDS Statistics Transmission & Testing HIV transmissionAIDS: Fear and AnxietyCan You Get HIV From. . . ?Criminal Transmission of HIVHIV & AIDS SymptomsHIV and BreastfeedingHIV Transmission Questions & AnswersHIV testingHIV TestingHIV Testing Frequently Asked QuestionsTreatment & Care HIV and AIDS treatmentHIV and AIDS TreatmentHIV and AIDS Treatment & CareHIV Treatment for ChildrenStarting, monitoring & switching HIV treatmentHIV and AIDS care HIV and AIDS CareHIV and AIDS Home Based CareHIV/AIDS and PainPalliative CareHIV and AIDS drugsAntiretroviral Drug Side EffectsAntiretroviral Drugs TableHIV and AIDS DrugsNew Antiretroviral DrugsTreatment accessAIDS, Drug Prices and Generic DrugsTreatment AccessUniversal Access to HIV/AIDS TreatmentAIDS-related infectionsHIV Opportunistic Infections: Prevention and TreatmentHIV/AIDS & related InfectionsStages of HIV InfectionTuberculosisOther treatment and careAlternative and Traditional Medicine for HIVHIV and NutritionHIV & AIDS Around The World AfricaThe HIV & AIDS epidemic in AfricaGay Men in Africa and HIV/AIDSHIV and AIDS in AfricaHIV and AIDS in Africa QuestionsThe Impact of HIV & AIDS in AfricaAfrican countriesHIV & AIDS in BotswanaHIV & AIDS in MalawiHIV and AIDS in KenyaHIV and AIDS in NigeriaHIV and AIDS in South AfricaHIV and AIDS in SwazilandHIV and AIDS in TanzaniaHIV and AIDS in UgandaHIV and AIDS in ZambiaHIV and AIDS in ZimbabweHIV and AIDS in LesothoHistory of HIV & AIDS in AfricaHistory of HIV & AIDS in AfricaHistory of HIV & AIDS in South AfricaTimeline of AIDS in AfricaAmericasHIV & AIDS in the United StatesHistory of HIV & AIDS in the United States of AmericaHIV & AIDS in the United States of AmericaHIV & AIDS Treatment in the United States of AmericaHIV and AIDS Among African AmericansHelp and advice for HIV and AIDS in AmericaUSA HIV & AIDS Help and AdviceHIV & AIDS in Latin America and the CaribbeanHIV & AIDS in BrazilHIV and AIDS in Latin AmericaHIV and AIDS in the CaribbeanAsia & EuropeHIV & AIDS in AsiaHIV & AIDS in ChinaHIV & AIDS in ThailandHIV and AIDS in AsiaOverview of HIV and AIDS in IndiaTimeline of AIDS in AsiaWho is Affected by HIV and AIDS in India?HIV & AIDS in EuropeHistory of HIV & AIDS in the UK 1981-1995History of HIV & AIDS in the UK 1996 OnwardsHIV and AIDS in Russia, Eastern Europe & Central AsiaHIV and AIDS in the UKHIV and AIDS in Western and Central EuropeHIV and AIDS Treatment in the UKHelp and advice in the UKHelp and Advice for HIV/AIDS in the UKWho Has to Pay for NHS Treatment in the UK?Sex, Sexuality & Relationships Gay & LesbianGay & LesbianAm I Gay? Are You Born Gay? Can You Stop Being Gay?Coming outGay and LesbianGay SexHomophobia, Prejudice & Attitudes to Gay Men & LesbiansHomosexual or Gay?How Many Gay People Are There?Lesbians, Bisexual Women and Safe SexYoung & GayBeing Gay at SchoolHIV, AIDS and Young Gay MenGay & LesbianAm I a Lesbian?Am I Gay?Young Gay Men & LesbiansResources & helpResources for people who are gay, lesbian or unsure'Young Gay Men Talking' booklet [PDF]STDsCommon STDsChlamydia Genital Warts HPVGonorrhea Hepatitis A, B & CHerpes STD PicturesSTIs or STDsSyphilisSTD StatisticsSTD Statistics WorldwideSTDs in AmericaSTDs in the UKSexInformation about sex Condoms & Spermicides questionsContraception questionsHow to Have SexOral SexPregnancy QuestionsSex QuestionsWorldwide Ages of ConsentYoung PeopleRelationships & SexAm I Ready for Sex?Being Gay, Sexuality and Attraction Having SexHaving Sex for the First TimeRelationships and FeelingsRelationships and Sex Your Body and PubertyPuberty and Boys' BodiesPuberty, Periods and Girls' BodiesYour Body, Puberty and Sexual Organs Having Safer SexAbout HIV/AIDS for Young PeopleAbout STIs & STDs for Young PeopleBirth Control and Contraception for Young PeopleCondom Tips for Young PeopleDrink, Drugs & SexHaving Safer SexSex, the Internet and TechnologySex, the Law and Young PeopleHIV-positive LifeBeing HIV-positive and HealthyFinding Out That You're HIV-positiveFriends, Attitudes and HIVSex and Relationships for HIV-positive Young PeopleFAQ about sexQuestions About Sex for Young PeopleOther WebsitesGo Ask Alice!Sex, Etc.BBC - The SurgeryPhotos, Videos, Games & Stories Games Play our games to test your knowledge and skills, while learning new facts. See how much you know about HIV/AIDS and sexual health, with our AIDS Game, Sex Education Game, Pregnancy Game and Condom Game. Use your mouse to collect the right letters while avoiding the baddies for a chance to appear on our HI-scores table. Give our games a try now, and see how well you can do! AIDS Game Pregnancy Game Sex Education Game Condom Game Photos & Videos Our media gallery contains hundreds of HIV and AIDS related photos, videos and graphics. You can have a look around, use the search feature, or take a look at some photo selections. Photo Selections Photos & Videos Gallery Media Types Photos Graphics Videos Search the Media Gallery Latest media: Quizzes Try our quizzes to test your knowledge on all aspects of sexual health and HIV and AIDS. We have a Sex Quiz, Pregnancy Quiz, Condom Quiz and an HIV and AIDS Quiz. Just a beginner? Then try the quizzes' easy levels. Think you're an expert? Well try the hard quizzes. AIDS Challenge HIV and AIDS Quiz Pregnancy Quiz Sex Education Quiz Condom Quiz StoriesLesbian and gay storiesComing out StoriesYoung Bisexual and Gay Men: Personal StoriesYoung Lesbian and Bisexual: Personal StoriesHIV and AIDSHIV and AIDS in the FamilyPersonal Stories of Men Living with HIVPersonal Stories of Women Living with HIVPersonal Stories of Young People Living with HIVStories From Around the WorldTalking about sex First Time Sex StoriesStories of Sex EducationSubmit a storyFeatured Story I went through kind of a phase shift from just getting feelings towards this one guy, to be being confused and feeling kind of bi... - Submitted by Wesley Read more >> InternationalYouth Day 2013 Involving youth in the HIV response Giving young people a platform to share their thoughts and experiences raises awareness among their peers and gives an invaluable insight into the needs of this high-risk group. More than 2,400 young people are newly infected with HIV every day, accounting for 40% of new adult infections. Involving youth in the HIV response is key to lowering new HIV infections among the next generation and the role of technology in doing this is now clearer than ever. A sneak preview of results from an AVERT survey, due to be released on International Youth Day 2013 - 12 August, show that most young people prefer to get their sexual health and HIV/AIDS information online or via mobile, as it's quicker, confidential and cheap. But not all youth are the same, we've found regional variations in the type of technology young people prefer - with 67% of respondents from Africa using mobile phones for health information, compared to just 31% in Europe. To commemorate International Youth Day 2013 - 12 August, share your experiences with others by sending AVERT your story. Raise HIV awareness among youth, check out the hints, tips and quizzes below and share them with your friends. Young People Zone Quizzes 'Can't Explain' home pageTemas sobre el VIH y el SIDA ¿Puede Contraer SIDA De. . . ?Síntomas Del VIH Y Del SIDASIDAVIHPruebas De Detección Del VIHVIH, Embarazo, Madres Y BebésVisión General De La Prevención De VIHIntroducción Al Tratamiento De VIH Y SIDALa Evidencia De Que El VIH Causa El SIDALas Estadísticas Del SIDA Y VIH En El MundoSexo, sexualidad y las relaciones ¿Cómo Se Tiene Sexo?Preguntas Generales Sobre SexoUso De Condones, Tipos Y Tamaños De Condones¿Soy Gay? ¿Se Nace Gay? ¿Se Puede Dejar De Ser Gay?Enfermedades De Transmisión Sexual Y Síntomas De ETSMedia, juegos y concursos Fotos y VideosJuegos (en Inglés) Search Avert.org Click to search site search back to content
Studies into the effectiveness of condoms have shown that if a latex condom is used correctly every time you have sex, this is highly effective in providing protection against HIV.1
The evidence for the effectiveness of condoms is clearest in studies of couples in which one person is infected with HIV and the other not (discordant couples). In a study of discordant couples in Europe, among 123 couples who reported consistently using condoms, none of the uninfected partners became infected. In contrast, among the 122 couples who used condoms inconsistently, 12 of the uninfected partners became infected.2 A recent review of 14 studies involving discordant couples concluded that consistent use of condoms led to an 80% reduction in HIV incidence.3
In addition, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other STDs, including chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea and syphilis4 5
The male latex condom is the single, most efficient, available technology to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.UNAIDS, WHO and UNFPA6
Condoms must be used consistently and correctly to provide maximum protection. Consistent use of condoms means using a condom from start to finish with each act of intercourse. Correct condom use should include:7
Find more information about using condoms.
“The main reason that condoms sometimes fail is incorrect or inconsistent use, not the failure of the condom itself”
There is no one answer to this, as different studies have shown different results. Many studies of condom effectiveness have counted how often women have become pregnant when their partners have used condoms for birth control. This "failure rate" includes cases where the couple did not use a condom every time they had sex, or they did not use the condom correctly. Some studies have included the times the condom was torn accidentally by people using it.8
The main reason that condoms sometimes fail to prevent HIV/STD infection or pregnancy is incorrect or inconsistent use, not the failure of the condom itself. Using oil-based lubricants can weaken the latex, causing the condom to break. Condoms can also be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails. Also, remember to check the expiry date of your condom!
A large body of research in the United States has shown that rates of breakage, caused by fault in the condom itself, are less than 2 condoms out of every 100 condoms. Studies also indicate that condoms slip off the penis in about 1-5% of acts of vaginal intercourse and slip down (but not off) about 3-13% of the time.9
Various studies have shown that knowledge and familiarity with the use of condoms reduce the likelihood of condom breakage and slippage during sex.10 A major factor that can lead to a condom breaking or slipping off during sex is it's size, as this can affect how easy it is to put on and how likely it is to stay on. Different sizes of condoms are available, and it is important to make sure that the condom being used is the correct fit.11
Different countries have different regulatory agencies. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates condoms to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Condoms in Europe that have been properly tested and approved should carry the CE Mark. Elsewhere in the world, you can find that condoms are approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Also, individual countries may have their own approval marks for condoms, for example, the Kitemark in the UK.
WHO guidelines set out a range of test requirements, which are necessary for ensuring the quality of each lot of condoms purchased. Based on international standards set out by the ISO,12 these include tests which establish bursting volume and pressure, and detect holes and other visible defects.13 Examples of the tests used by condom manufacturers include the 'water leak test', which reveals any holes in a condom, and the 'air burst test' or 'tensile test', which show whether a condom is likely to break during use.
The use of condoms has been traced back several thousand years. It is believed that around 1000 BC the ancient Egyptians used a linen sheath for protection against disease.14
The earliest evidence of condom use in Europe comes from scenes in cave paintings at Combarelles in France.15 There is also some evidence that some form of condom was used in imperial Rome.16
The syphilis epidemic that spread across Europe gave rise to the first published account of the condom. Gabrielle Fallopius described a sheath of linen he claimed to have invented to protect men against syphilis.17 Having been found useful for prevention of infection, it was only later that the usefulness of the condom for the prevention of pregnancy was recognised.
Later in the 1500s, one of the first improvements to the condom was made, when the linen cloth sheaths were sometimes soaked in a chemical solution and then allowed to dry prior to use. These were the first spermicides on condoms.18
The first published use of the world 'condum' was in a 1706 poem.19 It has also been suggested that Condom was a doctor in the time of Charles II. It is believed that he invented the device to help the king to prevent the birth of more illegitimate children.20
Even the most famous lover of all, Casanova, was using the condom as a birth control as well as against infection.21
Condoms made out of animal intestines began to be available. However, they were quite expensive and the unfortunate result was that they were often reused. This type of condom was described at the time as "an armour against pleasure, and a cobweb against infection".
In the second half of the 1700's, a trade in handmade condoms thrived in London and some shops where producing handbills and advertisements of condoms.22
The use of condoms was affected by technological, economic and social development in Europe and the US in the 1800s.
Condom manufacturing was revolutionised by the discovery of rubber vulcanisation by Goodyear (founder of the tyre company) and Hancock. This meant that it was possible to mass produce rubber goods including condoms quickly and cheaply. Vulcanisation is a process, which turns the rubber into a strong elastic material.23
In 1861,the first advertisement for condoms was published in an American newspaper when The New York Times printed an ad. for 'Dr. Power's French Preventatives.'
In 1873, the Comstock Law was passed. Named after Anthony Comstock, the Comstock Law made illegal the advertising of any sort of birth control, and it also allowed the postal service to confiscate condoms sold through the mail.24
Until the 1920s, most condoms were manufactured by hand-dipping from rubber cement. These kinds of condoms aged quickly and the quality was doubtful.
In 1919, Frederick Killian initiated hand-dipping from natural rubber latex in Ohio. The latex condoms had the advantage of ageing less quickly and being thinner and odourless. These new type of condoms enjoyed a great expansion of sales. By the mid-1930s, the fifteen largest makers in the U.S. were producing 1.5 million condoms a day.25
In 1957, the very first lubricated condom was launched in the UK by Durex.26
From the early 1960s, the use of condoms as a contraceptive device declined as the pill, the coil and sterilisation became more popular.27
The use of the condom increased strikingly in many countries following the recognition of HIV and AIDS in the 1980's. Condoms also became available in pubs, bars, grocery stores and supermarkets.
The female condom has been available in Europe since 1992 and it was approved in 1993 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In 1994, the world's first polyurethane condom for men was launched in the US.
The 1990s also saw the introduction of coloured and flavoured condoms.
In more recent years, improved technology has enabled the thickness of the condom to decrease. Also, condom manufacturers have recognised that one size of condom does not fit all. You can now find condoms that are different shapes, widths and lengths.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), an estimated 10.4 billion male condoms were used worldwide in 2005. Of these, around 4.4 billion condoms were used for family planning and 6.0 billion condoms for HIV prevention.28 It has been estimated that in 2015, nearly 18 billion condoms will be needed in low- and middle-income countries.29
In most countries where the HIV prevalence rate is high many people cannot afford to purchase condoms. Sexually active adults and teenagers must rely on condoms that are provided for free or sold at a subsidised low price. Governments often supply and promote condoms, but many countries rely almost entirely on donations from outside agencies such as the UNFPA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The UNFPA records information on the quantities of condoms donated to countries worldwide by a range of organisations. Analysis of data collected between 1990 and 2008, as displayed in the graph, shows that the number of condoms donated has risen. Before 1996 however, the supply of condoms was always able to meet the demand, yet in recent years that has not been the case.
The UNFPA estimates that at least 13.1 billion condoms were needed in 2005 to significantly reduce the spread of HIV, and another 4.4 billion were required for family planning. The number of condoms donated in 2005 was only 2.3 billion - representing less than 15% of the need. Although numbers rose sharply to 3.1 billion in 2007, they have subsequently decreased again to 2.4 billion in 2008.30
Between 2000 and 2005, fourteen countries received an average of more than 10 donated condoms per man per year. All of these countries have widespread HIV epidemics and, with the exception of Haiti, all of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. At the very top of the list were Congo, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Cape Verde, each of which received more than 20 condoms per man per year.
Developing countries outside sub-Saharan Africa tend to receive much lower numbers of donated condoms per man, with an average below one condom per man per year.31
english español
Play our games to test your knowledge and skills, while learning new facts. See how much you know about HIV/AIDS and sexual health, with our AIDS Game, Sex Education Game, Pregnancy Game and Condom Game. Use your mouse to collect the right letters while avoiding the baddies for a chance to appear on our HI-scores table.
Give our games a try now, and see how well you can do!
Our media gallery contains hundreds of HIV and AIDS related photos, videos and graphics. You can have a look around, use the search feature, or take a look at some photo selections.
Try our quizzes to test your knowledge on all aspects of sexual health and HIV and AIDS. We have a Sex Quiz, Pregnancy Quiz, Condom Quiz and an HIV and AIDS Quiz.
Just a beginner? Then try the quizzes' easy levels. Think you're an expert? Well try the hard quizzes.
I went through kind of a phase shift from just getting feelings towards this one guy, to be being confused and feeling kind of bi... - Submitted by Wesley Read more >>
Giving young people a platform to share their thoughts and experiences raises awareness among their peers and gives an invaluable insight into the needs of this high-risk group. More than 2,400 young people are newly infected with HIV every day, accounting for 40% of new adult infections.
Involving youth in the HIV response is key to lowering new HIV infections among the next generation and the role of technology in doing this is now clearer than ever.
A sneak preview of results from an AVERT survey, due to be released on International Youth Day 2013 - 12 August, show that most young people prefer to get their sexual health and HIV/AIDS information online or via mobile, as it's quicker, confidential and cheap. But not all youth are the same, we've found regional variations in the type of technology young people prefer - with 67% of respondents from Africa using mobile phones for health information, compared to just 31% in Europe.
To commemorate International Youth Day 2013 - 12 August, share your experiences with others by sending AVERT your story. Raise HIV awareness among youth, check out the hints, tips and quizzes below and share them with your friends.