Most people think that they will not be affected by STDs because they practice safe sex by using a condom. Even some people doubt that you can still get an STD with a condom. It is not valid.
Many factors can increase the rate of Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs), even if you are wearing a condom correctly.
Condoms are latex that performs as a barrier to STDs and bodily fluids. However, some infections can still be passed even just by skin-to-skin contact only.
It becomes crucial to know about sexually transmitted infections for such reasons.
1. What are Condoms
Latex condoms are tube-like and are worn during sex. Condoms can stop bodily fluids, like semen, vaginal fluids, and even blood, from causing STDs.
However, condoms manufactured only for STDs are suitable for preventing HIV transmission.
There are many types of condoms. The one made of lambskin, also called natural condoms, is not safe for preventing STDs.
Since the pores of natural condoms are microscopic and do not let the sperm cells pass through. However, bacteria and other viruses can still infiltrate the pores and spread.
Use latex condoms since they are a very effective barrier to Sexually Transmitted Disease prevention. So, it is always better to use a condom, which is mainly made to prevent STDs. Also, during oral sex, you must use a dental dam. It is a thin latex and can help in preventing infection.
However, one must accomplish condom use perfectly. Often, STD transmission gets successful due to the incorrect use of condoms during the entire sex act. So, you must use a condom which is latex condom, and wear it properly.
2. Can You Still Get an STD with a Condom
Generally, condom use can stop Sexually Transmitted Diseases. But in any case, if something goes wrong, you can still get an STD.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are STIs that only condoms can prevent. Moreover, condoms have been 98 percent effective.
Even if you are wearing a condom, you can still get STD. They are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. During sexual intercourse or sexual contact, condoms do not cover all parts of infected skin.
However, you can use a female condom to cover the infected areas. If not, then there is a chance of getting affected by skin-on-skin contact.
You will find some infections that can be transmitted by your infected partner, even if you use a condom.
2.1. Herpes
Herpes is also called Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). These infections can be transmitted from oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal sex with an infected individual.
This virus generates sores near the mouth, genitals, or anus. Also, sores or fever blisters around the mouth or lips are caused by HSV-1.
Even HSV-2 tends to form sores near the genital area and anus. It is called genital Herpes. You must refrain from your sexual activity during an active outbreak since this can reduce the risk of Herpes transmission.
2.2. Genital Warts
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts. There are about 140 different types of the HPV virus. Genital Herpes is one among them.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact from the areas of the genitals which are not covered by the condom.
Genital Warts are usually caught from low-risk types of viruses. But the high-risk type of virus causes different types of cancer.
2.3. Syphilis
It is a bacterial infection called Syphilis. It can spread from your partner due to oral sex or anal sex.
The symptoms of this infection are soreness in the infected area. The sore is also called “chancre,” which spreads to partners due to vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, it primarily applies due to anal intercourse.Â
Furthermore, condoms can decrease the chances of spreading Syphilis. Condom is also beneficial if the chancre gets covered by the condom.
2.4. Pubic Lice
The pubic lice always infect the genitals. They are also called crabs sometimes. However, they are prevalent among young adults and spread from oral sex.
This type of infection or crab lays eggs, which reside in the pubic hair.
Since they are found in pubic hair, crabs do not get covered by a condom. Even with consistent condom use, this type of STD is spread.
2.5. Molluscum Contagiosum
This type of STI shows bumps on the skin, reddish and small in size, and spreads through sexual contact or skin-to-skin contact.
The bumps caused by this type of infection are generally stretched and manageable.
2.6. IV Infection
HIV is also known as Human Immunodeficiency virus infection. This type of infection has very few symptoms, and sometimes you may not know about it.
HIV transmission can happen through anal sex, vaginal sex, and oral sex.
3. Correct Way to Use a Condom
You must follow these before genital contact: It would help if youuusede a new condom right from the beginning to the end. Open the condom wrapper carefully. Try not to use your teeth to tear the wrapper.
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Before genital contact, make sure to wear the condom from the tip of the erect penis. Keep the rolled latex side out.
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Release the reservoir tip and hold the tip of the condom to unroll and take it down to the base of the penis.
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When ejaculated, hold the rim of the condom, and withdraw it carefully. While withdrawing, make sure the semen doesn’t slop out.
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Stop right away if you feel the condom break. Replace the broken condom with a new one. Remember not to use oil-based lubricants since they weaken latex condoms. You must protect yourself from having good sexual health and HIV prevention.
4. Bottom-Line
To only method to eliminate the risk of sexual transmission of HIV, contracting Syphilis, and oral Herpes is by staying abstinent from sexual intercourse.
However, if you are engaged in sexual intercourse, then to maintain sexual health and prevent viral STDs, do STD testing and always use a condom. Also, do not forget to get details on the question, “Can you get an STD with a condom?”
Female condoms can cover many areas and thus reduces the risk of infection. However, a female condom is costly, but this can keep you sexually active. Also, you can use both male condoms and female condoms for disease control.
It can even help in preventing pregnancy and also preventing transmission of viral STDs like Genital Herpes. However, do not forget to do STD testing for better health.
5. FAQs
5.1 How Well Do Condoms Work At Preventing STDs?
Condoms are an extremely effective tool for lowering the risk of STD transmission when used consistently and correctly. Even with proper condom use, there is still a slight probability of transmission because no form of protection is 100% reliable.
5.2 What are the Most Prevalent STDs That Can Spread Even When Condoms are Used?
Even with proper condom use, some illnesses can still spread even though condoms offer effective protection against many STDs. Herpes, syphilis, and HPV (human papillomavirus) are a few examples of these. Contact with infected regions can lead to the spread of these illnesses.
5.3 Can Wearing Two Condoms Offer Further Defense Against STDs?
Double-bagging (using two condoms together) is not advised, as the friction between the two layers can increase the chance of condom rupture. The ideal condom is whole, fits properly, and is used appropriately. One condom can be made more effective by using more lube.
