Virus Weekly (12.17.02) - Monday, December 23, 2002

The report reviewed findings of all significant research and professional presentations about the ability of condoms to reduce the risk of STDs. The report is authored by some of the nation's leading experts on STDs and condom research.

"America is facing an epidemic of STDs - more than 15 million new STD infections per year," commented Joe S. McIlhaney Jr., MD, president of the Institute. "It is imperative that Americans understand what the science says about the limits of condoms in keeping them safe from STDs, many of which can have life-altering consequences, including infertility and cancer."

Key findings include: *Condoms must be used 100 percent of the time and used correctly to avoid STD infection and potential disease from infected partners. *Even 100 percent condom use does not eliminate the risk of any STD including HIV. *100 percent use of condoms for many years is so uncommon that it is almost a purely theoretical concept except for very few, very meticulous individuals. *There is no evidence of any risk reduction for sexual transmission of HPV even with 100 percent condom use. *Syphilis transmission is reduced from 29-50 percent with 100 percent condom use, leaving 50-71 percent relative risk of infection. *Chlamydia and gonorrhea transmission is reduced by approximately 50 percent with 100 percent condom use leaving an approximate 50 percent relative risk of infection. *HIV sexual transmission is reduced by approximately 85 percent with 100 percent condom use leaving an approximate 15 percent relative risk of infection. *For the approximately 20 other STDs, not enough data exist to say whether condoms offer any risk reduction from sexual transmission.
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