Condoms do protect against HIV transmission

Dear Dr. Roach: I read that condoms have tiny holes in them and don’t provide protection against HIV/AIDS. Is this true?

– G.D.M.

Dear G.D.M: Condoms do have tiny holes in them if magnified enough; however, latex condoms are effective at preventing HIV transmission, both measured in a laboratory as well as in clinical studies. In couples who use condoms 100 percent of the time, HIV transmission is reduced by at least 90 to 95 percent.

Another way of reducing transmission is by pre-exposure prophylaxis. This involves taking a medication to prevent infection. In people who took the medication as directed, there was a 96 percent reduction in HIV transmission. The combination of pre-exposure prophylaxis and condoms provides an even greater reduction in risk. Condoms also provide protection against other possible sexually transmitted infections. Read More