Condoms are one of the best tools with which you are safe during sex. It has been proven that they lower the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIS) and prevent undesirable pregnancies.
But condoms are only tools. And no tool works in every situation.
While you should always use a condom during sex, if you are worried about STIS, there are some infections that may be able to slip through. If you know what these infections are, you can protect yourself at future encounters.
Read on to find out more.
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What are condoms?
The main task of a latex condom is to prevent the transmission of body fluids such as sperm, vaginal secretion and blood. This in turn can help to avoid pregnancy and Stis.
It has been shown that the use of condoms correctly and consistently reduces the transfer of infections such as HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea by 60%to 85%.
When should they be used?
Vaginal and anal sex
Most condoms are used in the vaginal sex between men and women. The condom is applied to the penis to protect the penis and the vagina from absorption of infected body fluids.
Condoms can also be used in anal sex to prevent the spread of infections. Condoms can be used during anal sex Really important. The anus is more susceptible to tearing than a vagina.
If you receive anal sex from your sexual partner and receive a tear, infected body fluid HIV and hepatitis b) will rather build an infection.
Oral sex
Some people also use condoms during oral sex. While the risk The transfer of STIS during the oral sex is quite low, it is still a risk.
Oral Sties How ChlamydiaPresent gonorrheaPresent HerpesPresent syphilisAnd HPV Can all be transmitted during the oral sex. Condoms, whether they give oral sex or receive oral sex, can make oral sex safer.
Share sex toys
When sharing a sex toy, Infected body fluids can stay on the surface of the toy. If the toy is not thoroughly washed between the uses, pathogens can linger and spread to the non -infected person who uses the toy.
Other methods of contraception
Condoms are not the only option for barrier methods of contraception. You can also use internal condoms and toothed dams if they feel more comfortable for you.
Regardless of whether you have oral, anal or vaginal sex and worry about sexually transferable diseases, it is always a good idea to use a condom.
Can you get a sexually transmitted infection if you wear a condom?
While condoms are never a 100% guarantee against infections, many STIS are often transferred than others.
Here are some of them.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a fairly frequent skin infection that can cause round, firm, painless bumps that can occur anywhere on the skin.
These bumps, which ranges from a pencil to an eraser from pencil, are typically skin -colored, pink or the same color as your skin.
Molluscum contagiosum spreads through skin-to-skin contact and contact with infected objects. Although the virus is most common in children, it can also influence adults and is often passed on through sexual contact.
Anyone who gets it shouldn’t get worried. The virus is harmless and all blemishes that result from it usually clarify between 6 months and two years.
Genital herpes
Herpes -Simplex -Virus (HSV) Can cause wounds around mouth, genitals or anus. HSV-1 or oral herpes often causes wounds or fever bubbles around the mouth and lips. HSV-2 or herpes in the genital usually cause the genitals or anus.
It was shown that condoms prevent the spread of herpes infections very effectively. However, condoms do not always cover the area that gives the virus during an outbreak.
During an active outbreak (if you are most contagious), it is recommended to refrain from sexual activity in order to reduce the risk of transfer of herpes to your partner.
If you have an existing herpes infection yourself, talk to your doctor about how you can practice safe sex. Try to avoid sexual activities if you have an outbreak.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
Genital warts are caused by HPV – a family of viruses, of which there are more than 140 different species. While genital warts are caused by a risk type of the virus, high -risk types are associated with several different types of cancer.
HPV can be transferred Through skin-to-skin contact With areas of the genitals that are not covered by a condom. It was shown that condoms effectively reduce the transmission of this virus. However, it is more likely that the transmission will occur when contact is repeated and extended, for example in a long -term relationship.
While some HPV infections can lead to genital warts and types of cancer, these infections are in a small minority. Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms and are deleted from their immune system within a few months.
After all, even genital warts will disappear by itself. Most cases of genital warts dissolve within a few years.
Last thoughts
While condoms are a great way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, they cannot be successful every time. If you are sexually active and believe that you could have been exposed to a STI, you should be tested.
We offer quick, comfortable and discreet Sti tests in our local clinics for sexual health in Great Britain. Call the number at the top of this page to make an appointment.
Do not leave your sexual health to chance. Book your appointment today.
This blog was originally published 20/09/2021. Last updated 18/07/2025.
This article was medically by Dr. Steve Chapman, 11.11.2024, medically checked
