Do Condoms Protect Against Every STI?

Condoms can be helpful in protecting against STIs but they will not protect you from every STI. Before you decide that they’re not worth using because they don’t protect you from everything, let me explain.

If people use condoms, they usually use external condoms, what we used to call male condoms. So I’ll talk about those first.

Most people who use external condoms use ones that are made of latex. But there are other options on the market. Some people might remember the ones that were popular before latex, the natural skin condoms. Natural skin condoms are not great at protecting against STIs. They also tend to be thicker, which can cut down on the sensation for men. These condoms were a good choice when that was all there was, but thanks to science we have other options.

Today people can choose a condom made from latex, polyisoprene or polyurethane. Depending on where you live, it may be easier to find latex condoms at stores around you. But if you’re interested in the other options, especially if you’re sensitive or allergic to latex, then you can shop for condoms online.

Latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms are really good at protecting you from many bacterial and viral STIs. The biggest problem is that they can’t protect you from areas they don’t cover.

The external condom only goes to the base of the shaft of the penis, so if there are warts, herpes sores, or anything else around the base, then there will be exposure to the STI from skin to skin contact with that area.

Check out this photo by Deon Black. A condom isn’t going to protect you from contact below the condom, basically where the hands are.

Photo by Deon Black: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-bananas-5915437/

Same issue exists for the anus and/or vagina. The external condom is only going to cover limited areas. So if there’s an STI at the opening of the anus, or something on the vulva, there’s no protection from contact with that area. Hold on, I’ve got some another fruit picture by Deon Black.

Photo by Deon Black: https://www.pexels.com/photo/banana-erotic-papaya-semen-6378186/

See how there’s no coverage on the papaya except where the banana is going in? Any skin to skin contact with that area could lead to STI transmission.

Now there’s another option for condoms, called the internal condom (what we used to call the female condom). These provide a bit more coverage around the base of the penis, opening to the anus, and the vulva. Sadly there were no fun fruit photos available for this. So here’s a drawing from the CDC showing the internal condom after it’s been inserted.

https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/internal-condom-use.html

There’s more area covered here than there would be if there was an external condom being used. That means there’s some additional protection from STIs.

The last thing that I want to mention is that there is no condom that is going to prevent the transmission of things like scabies and pubic lice.

Until next time, be safe and have fun!

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