Do condoms actually work?
The audio is a little low, you have have to turn up the volume.
Condoms get bad rap. People are always complaining about the cost, the feeling, fit, smell or taste. But most frustrating is when people claim that condoms don’t work.
The truth is, condoms work. Their purpose is simply to provide a barrier between you and whatever would like to make a home in your body. It would be nice if they were made to do more. But I think helping to prevent diseases such as unplanned pregnancy, HIV, syphilis, herpes and HPV – among others – is more than enough.
Here’s the facts:
- All condoms protect against pregnancy.
- All condoms – except lamb skin – protect against STIs.
- The number one reason condoms fail is user error.
When using condoms properly, your risk for catching:
- HIV 80-95%
- Pregnancy 99.99999%
- Chlamydia 95%
- Gonorrhea 50-75%
- Syphilis 60-70%
- HPV 30-80%
- Oral and Genital Herpes 30%
- Trichomoniasis 30%
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease 55%
Yes, I’m aware that none of this is 100%. But nothing in life is 100%. Do you stop wearing seatbelts or helmets because they fail sometimes? No. They make thinks just as uncomfortable, don’t always fit and can be a hassle to remember. But we take these precautions because we know they work.
So, the choices are simple: use a condom to so protect significantly or don’t and take your turn roulette table. Make smart decisions and only take the sexual risks you’re willing to take.
