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HIV/AIDS related Frequently asked
questions in Amharic (PDF Format )
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Research on the effectiveness of latex condoms in preventing sexual transmission is both comprehensive and conclusive. The ability of latex condoms to prevent transmission has been scientifically established in laboratory studies as well as in epidemiological studies (‘real life’ situations) of sexually active uninfected persons at very high risk of infection (who were involved in sexual relationships with HIV-infected partners). It should be noted that condom use cannot provide absolute protection against HIV. The surest way to avoid transmission of HIV is to abstain from sexual intercourse and other types of sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been determined by an HIV test to be seronegative (free from HIV infection). Other types of condoms, such as lambskin, do not protect against HIV and STIs, although they may prevent pregnancy. Polyurethane condoms also prevent pregnancy and can protect against HIV and STIs, but they break more often than latex ones. When buying condoms, if possible, check that they are indeed made of latex.
The reason is very simple. With proper usage, a properly manufactured latex condom is greater than 98% effective in protection from HIV infection. There is only one method that is 100% effective: complete abstinence from all types of sexual contacts. So, for an individual that is concerned with the minimal chance of infection, even when using a condom during a sexual intercourse, it is highly advisable that the individual refrain from sex until marriage to an uninfected partner.
Condoms can provide different levels of risk reduction for different sexually transmitted diseases. There is no one definite study about condom effectiveness for all STIs. Several studies have demonstrated that condoms can protect against the transmission of gonorrhea, Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and may also protect against genital herpes and syphilis.
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly can reduce the risk of genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid and HPV infection, only when the infected areas are covered or protected by the condom. In addition, the use of latex condoms has been associated with a reduction in the risk of HPV-associated diseases, such as cervical cancer.
There is no one answer to this, as different studies have shown different results. Many studies of condom effectiveness have counted how often women have become pregnant when their partners used condoms for birth control. This "failure rate" includes cases where the couple did not use a condom every time they had sex, or they did not use the condom correctly. Some studies included the times a condom tore accidentally.
The main reason that condoms sometimes fail to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) or pregnancy is slippage, and incorrect or inconsistent use,
not the failure of the condom itself. Using oil-based lubricants can weaken
the latex, causing the condom to break. Condoms can also be weakened by exposure
to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails when
opening the packet. Check occasionally during intercourse to ensure that the
condom has not slipped off. Also, remember to check the expiration date of your
condom!
Some people use two condoms in the belief that it ensures extra protection.
However, two condoms create a lot of friction, which can make one or both of
them break more easily.
The best action is prevention!
For extra protection you can use spermicide with the condom. The female can place it inside her vagina using an applicator, and/or the male can place a small amount of it inside the tip of the condom. Also, even before considering having sexual intercourse, you should ask about the person’s sexual history (if they have ever been tested for HIV and the results, how many previous sexual partners they have had). However, your safety depends on their honesty.
If you live near a hospital or health clinic with HIV or VCT facilities, you may be able to obtain a course of PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis). This medication can prevent HIV infection if taken within 72 hours of the potential exposure to the virus. However, it is usually only available to health care workers who are accidentally exposed to needle pricks, blood or body fluids while caring for patients or handling laboratory specimens. Since it may be unlikely that hospitals and clinics can cater to all, if any, cases of accidental condom breakage, it is up to you to protect yourself.
