Vera,

You are confusing theoretical concepts with empirical data.

Everybody agrees that condoms are NOT 100% effective in preventing pregnacies and the spread of STDs but it is the best barrier contraceptive and STD preventive method available.

The message of the article posted by Aggo is that a combination of abstinence, faithfullness and consistent condom usage is the ultimate in controlling HIV infection and AIDS. Removing condoms from the equation will lead to disaster. That is exactly what is happening on the field.

The report you presented is a mathematical model which helps us to understand that condoms are not 100% effective in preventing viral transmission. However, field studies as well as laboratory testing have also shown that condom usage is highly effective against HIV transmisssion but it is not absolute as reported below by the CDC.

Idealism and perfectism do not exist.

Joe

National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention
Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions | Home | Index | Search | Site Map

How Effective Are Latex Condoms in Preventing HIV?
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing heterosexual sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Research on the effectiveness of latex condoms in preventing heterosexual 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 epidemiologic studies of uninfected persons at very high risk of infection because they were involved in sexual relationships with HIV-infected partners. The most recent meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies of condom effectiveness was published by Weller and Davis in 2004. This analysis refines and updates their previous report published in 1999. The analysis demonstrates that the consistent use of latex condoms provides a high degree of protection against heterosexual transmission of HIV. 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 or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected.

Additional information:

CDC NCHSTP Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. Fact Sheet: Male latex condoms and sexually transmitted diseases.

Pinkerton SD and Abramson PR. Effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV transmission. Soc Sci Med 1997; 44:1303-1312.

Davis KR and Weller SC. The effectiveness of condoms in reducing heterosexual transmission of HIV. Fam Plann Perspect 1999;31:272-279.

Weller S, Davis K. Condom effectiveness in reducing heterosexual HIV transmission (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2004. Chichester, UK, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

CDC NCHSTP. Condom Effectiveness Bibliography.

If you would like more information or have personal concerns, call CDC-INFO 24 Hours/Day at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), 1-888-232-6348 (TTY), in English, en Español

From: VERA R CROWELL <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: "AAM (African Association of Madison)" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: What I love about this list:
Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2005 09:13:51 -0500

** Please visit our website: http://www.africanassociation.org **

I love the fact that I am consistently called close-minded, denigrated, and pretty much reviled...on a regular basis. My eyes are wide open, and I question everything as a matter of fact.

Those of you actually trained in the sciences (and don't just believe and parrot what you're told by 'authorities'), listen up:

1. Condoms are tested with water and air.

2. Condoms are utilized, however, in a fluid medium with a different ionic concentration.

3. The FDA knows that altering the ionic concentration of the fluid surrounding a membrane alters its permeability to viruses. Anyone who's used dialysis tubing knows that this is true.

4. How, then, do you make the claim that, in the ionic concentration of human body fluids, the condom (that was tested in water and air) is not allowing for transmission of viruses? Now remember, people's lives are resting on your answer.

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