Which STDs Can Condoms Prevent

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You're probably well aware that condoms can prevent you from getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But you may have wondered how well condoms really work - and if they protect you from all STIs.

Condoms work by preventing contact between partners' skin, mucosa (the moist tissue that lines the genitals), and genital fluids like semen. They can also be used on a sex toy, like a dildo, to help prevent spreading an infection if the toy is shared. But condoms aren't foolproof, and they don't protect against all STIs.

Here's what you need to know about how effective condoms are at preventing STIs and how to use them properly to lower your risk.

Which STDs can condoms prevent?

Condoms provide the best protection against STIs that are transmitted by bodily fluids like semen (ejaculate or cum), pre-cum, and vaginal fluids.

Condoms offer more than 90% protection against:

• Gonorrhea

• Chlamydia

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

• Hepatitis B

Condoms aren't 100% protective against these STIs. One reason is that people can make mistakes or have accidents while using them.

Common mistakes and mishaps include:

• A condom slips down or off

• A condom tears or breaks

• Not using it at the right time (putting one on after penetration has started or taking it off before it ends)

If you use condoms consistently and correctly (more on that later), you can lower your risk of getting an STI.

What STDs can be transmitted even with condom use?

Condoms are less effective at protecting you from STIs that can be passed through skin-to-skin contact. That's because condoms don't always cover all the areas of the genitals and body that can transmit the STI.

STIs that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact include:

• Genital herpes, also known as herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2)

• Genital warts, also known as human papillomavirus (HPV)

• Syphilis (if the sore isn't covered by a condom)

You should definitely continue to use condoms to protect against these STIs, but they offer less protection. It's a good idea to take other steps to protect yourself. These include avoiding sex if your partner has an active infection or outbreak.

What are the safest types of condoms for STD prevention?

There are two types of condoms that help prevent the spread of STIs:

• Latex condoms

• Polyurethane condoms

Polyurethane condoms are a good option for people with a latex allergy.

Condoms made from lambskin and other animal membranes won't protect against STIs. These types of condoms have pores that STI-causing viruses and bacteria can pass through.

The most common condom is one that fits over a penis (or a sex toy like a dildo). But there are also condoms designed for the vagina. A female condom is also known as an internal condom. It's a soft plastic pouch that's inserted into the vagina or anus before intercourse.

Female condoms are an effective way to prevent STIs. They act as a barrier between partners' skin, mucosa, and genital fluids.

Does spermicide prevent STDs?

No, spermicide doesn't protect you from getting an STD. Spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm. But it doesn't work to kill or destroy any viruses or bacteria that cause STIs.

Some people use spermicide alone as a form of birth control. And some use it along with a condom as an extra layer of protection from getting pregnant. It comes in several forms:

• Cream

• Gel

• Foam

• Suppository

Some condoms come coated with spermicide as well.

Tips for preventing STDs when using a condom

If you know a partner has an STI that's treatable (like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis), it's much safer to wait until the infection is cleared before having sex. If your partner has any active sores and lesions from an STI, it's also safer to wait until they go away before having sex.

If you don't know if your partner has an STI, condoms can help protect you during sexual activity.

The best way to stay protected is to try to make sure you're using male (external) or female (internal) condoms the right way. Here's how to use them consistently and correctly:

• Use a new condom every time you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

• Before using a condom, check the expiration date, since expired ones are more likely to break.

• Open the condom wrapper carefully. Teeth or fingernails can tear the condom.

• Using lubricants (lube) can help prevent tears and breaks, and it's especially helpful during anal sex.

• If you're using lube during vaginal or anal sex, choose water-based or silicone lube. Don't use oil-based lubricants, petroleum jelly, massage oils, or body lotions. These can weaken latex and cause condoms to tear or rupture.

Male condoms

Instructions for using male condoms:

• Before any genital contact, put the condom on the tip of the erect penis with the rolled side out. Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the erect penis.

• Once it's on, apply lube to the condom (if you're using it).

• After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, hold the rim of the condom and gently pull it off the penis, making sure that semen doesn't spill out.

• If a condom breaks, stop having sex immediately. Withdraw, remove the broken condom, and put on a new one.

Female condoms

Instructions for using female condoms:

• First, find a comfortable position. Stand with one foot on a chair, lie down, or squat.

• Squeeze together the sides of the inner ring at the closed end of the condom. Slide it into the vagina like a tampon.

• Push the inner ring in with your finger as far as it can go, until you reach the cervix.

• Pull out your finger and let the outer ring hang about an inch outside the vagina.

• Hold the condom open when inserting the penis so it doesn't slip to the side.

• If using in the anus, remove the inner ring before inserting.

• After the penis is removed, twist the end of the condom to keep the semen in and gently pull it out.

Can using condoms for oral sex prevent STDs?

You can get an STI from giving or receiving oral sex. For example, herpes can be passed between the genitals and the mouth. And bacterial STIs can cause a bacterial infection in the mouth or throat.

You can use a condom during oral sex to help lower the chances of getting an STI. When oral sex is performed on male genitals, it's safer to use a non-lubricated condom.

When performed on female genitals, a non-lubricated condom that's cut open or a dental dam (a thin latex square) is recommended.

A dental dam can also lower your chances of getting an STI from oral-anal sex, also known as rimming.

When and how often should you screen for STDs?

The recommendations for STI screening depend on your age and what type of sex you have. But everyone should get tested for:

• HIV: All people aged 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV. People who're sexually active should be tested more often.

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Most people who're sexually active with more than one partner should get tested yearly.

• Syphilis: Many people who're sexually active with more than one partner should get tested yearly.

• Hepatitis C: All people over 18 years old should be tested for hepatitis C once. Some people may need more frequent testing.

If you're pregnant, you should have STI testing during your first trimester - even if you've recently been tested.
If you'd prefer not to be tested by your primary care provider for privacy concerns, look for a county or state clinic in your area that provides free or low-cost confidential tests.

You can test at home for some types of STIs. But if the test is positive, you'll need to see a healthcare professional for treatment.

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