• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Also called “genital warts.” Condoms offer little to no protection even if used 100% of the time.
• Trichomoniasis. No protection even if condoms are used 100% of the time.
• Syphilis. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission by 29–50% if they are used 100% of the time.
• Gonorrhea. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission by 50% if they are used 100% of the time.
• Chlamydia. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission by 50% if they are used 100% of the time.
• Genital herpes. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission by 40% if they are used at least 65% of the time. One study showed condoms reduced transmission risk for women by 25% but men were still at risk.
• HIV/AIDS. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission by 85–87% if they are used 100% of the time.
  

If safe sex were truly “safe,” condoms would eliminate the risk of STD transmission, but the NIH study reveals that condoms only offer risk reduction. Read the back of any box of condoms and see that even condom manufacturers say that when condoms are used properly, they MAY help reduce the risk of catching or spreading many STDs. Realize also, that correct use of condoms means using a condom with EVERY act of sex (no forgetting) and that the 5–7 steps for putting on and removing a condom MUST be followed (you can’t make mistakes or you lose the benefit of the condom). And even if you use them correctly, condoms only reduce the risk of STDs, so you’re still at risk.

Two things that condoms cannot protect are the heart and mind. Condoms can’t prevent the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual bonds that form when two people have sex, and condoms can’t reduce the risk and pain of heartbreak when relationships end. Condoms don’t protect against the long-term unwanted memories and connections to past sexual partners.

THE FACTS and STATS

More than 15 million Americans get an STD each year. Today there are at least 25 STDs and many of them have no cure. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Even if you use a condom, you are not safe from spreading or receiving an STD. STDs are a silent epidemic. You can have one, never even know it, and pass it on to someone else.

Here are some facts for you to think about:

1. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections are among the most commonly reported bacterial STDs in the US. Often times there are no symptoms present, however, if left untreated these infections can cause serious and permanent health problems in both men and women.
2. Genital Herpes infects one out of five Americans over the age of 12. There is currently no cure for herpes. It can cause painful sores that may come back year after year.
3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral STD’s in America. HPV infections can cause genital warts and are linked to cancer of the cervix, mouth, throat, penis and anus.
4. HIV/AIDS has killed nearly half a million Americans.

STDs are not an equal opportunity disease! STDs in women are more severe and leave more damage behind them, than STDs in men. Also, only women get pelvic inflammatory disease which can produce terrible internal damage, sterility, and even death. Unfortunately many women will not find out that they have had an STD that destroyed their reproductive organs until years later when they are trying to have a baby. By then it is too late. The only 100% way to protect yourself is to save sex until you’re in a faithful marriage.

Here are some statistics on the most common STDs:

STD	Cases	Transmissions	Symptoms	Effects
Trichomoniasis	7.4 million new cases diagnosed each year	Fluid exchange, genital to genital contact	Discharge from penis or vagina, discomfort when urinating; usually appears in women 5-28 days after infection.	Genital inflammation.
HPV	6.2 million new cases diagnosed each year	Skin-to-skin, mother to child during delivery	There are over 100 strains. Some produce genital warts.	Number one cause of cervical cancer in women; may cause penile and anal cancer in men.
Chlamydia	2.8 million new cases diagnosed each year	Fluid exchange, mother to child during delivery	May appear 1-3 weeks after infection; abnormal discharge from penis or vagina, burning when urinating, bleeding between periods. 75% of women have NO symptoms. 50% of men have NO symptoms.	PID, severe damage to reproductive organs, infertility in women, sterility in men
Genital Herpes	1 million new cases diagnosed each year	Skin-to-skin contact, mother to child during delivery	Flu-like symptoms, fever; outbreaks of blisters, usually within two weeks of infection.	Recurring outbreaks
Gonorrhea	700,000 new cases diagnosed each year	Contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus; mother to child during delivery	Men: discharge from penis, burning when urinating, pain in testicles; usually 2-30 days after infection. Women: disharge from vagina, burning when urinating, bleeding between periods.	PID, severe damage to reproductive organs, infertility in women, sterility in men, skin disease, arthritis
Hepatitis B	60,000 new cases diagnosed each year	Fluid exchange, mother to child during delivery	Jaundice, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, joint pain	Cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure
HIV	50,000 new cases diagnosed each year	Fluid exchange, mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breast-feeding	Tiredness, fever, chills, weight loss, swollen glands, white spots in constant diarrhea	Weakened immune system, some cancers, pneumonia, damage to central nervous system, death
Syphillis	32,000 new cases diagnosed each year	Direct contact with syphillis sores, mother to child during pregnancy	Primary Stage: one or more small, firm, round painless sores at the spot where the bacteria enters the body; appears 10-90 days after infection Secondary Stage: skin rash, spots on palms of hands and soles of feet; may include fever, swollen glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, aches, fatigue	Late Stage: damage to the brain, heart, liver, bones, and joints; paralysis, blindness, death

*Sources
NIH Report on the Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention. www.medinstitute.org/media/NIH Answers.htm

"Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for STD Prevention. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dmid/PDF/condomReport.pdf

See also: Sex, Condoms and STDs: What We Now Know. “Safer sex” isn’t nearly safe enough, The Medical Institute for Sexual Health, 2002.