How do I choose the right kind of condoms to prevent disease?
Always read the label. Look for two things:- The condoms should be made of latex (rubber). Tests
have shown that latex condoms can prevent the passage of the
AIDS, hepatitis
and herpes viruses. But
natural (lambskin) condoms may not do this.
In the future, manufacturers may offer condoms of other materials and designs for disease prevention. As with all new products that make medical claims, such as "prevention of sexually transmitted disease," these new condoms would have to be reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they are allowed to be sold.
- The package should say that the condoms are to prevent
disease. If the package doesn't say anything about preventing
disease, the condoms may not provide the protection you want, even
though they may be the most expensive ones you can buy.
Novelty condoms will not say anything about either disease prevention or pregnancy prevention on the package. They are intended only for sexual stimulation, not protection.
Condoms which do not cover the entire penis are not labeled for disease prevention and should not be used for this purpose. For proper protection, a condom must unroll to cover the entire penis. This is another good reason to read the label carefully.
Reprinted from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
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