Condom efficacy
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Latex condoms are "highly effective for preventing HIV infection and other [sexually transmitted diseases] when used consistently and correctly," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concludes in the Aug. 6 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. CDC cites two studies of condom use among HIV serodiscordant heterosexual couples. In one study, "none of 123 partners who used condoms consistently seroconverted," while 12 (10%) of 122 seronegative partners who use condoms inconsistently seroconverted. In the second study, three (2%) of 171 consistent condom users seroconverted, compared with eight (15%) of 55 inconsistent condom users. In addition, "three prospective studies in developed countries indicated that condoms are unlikely to break or slip during proper use," CDC says.