Are condoms really safe?

Question

Ok so my friend and I were talking about condoms and some new disease that you can catch even if you use a condom and I have to admit, I'm pretty open sexually and I've been a teeny bit promiscious at one point of my life, but I ALWAYS used condoms. So my friend says that it's been proven that condoms don't really protect you from HIV. I thought, this is complete BS, then she directs me to this link: http://www.leaderu.com/offices/rusty_wright/safesex.html, which basically says that the HIV virus is small enough to squeeze through microscopic holes in condoms. Now I'm sooooo terrified and paranoid!!! But I did some research on my own and I keep coming up with conflicting reports, some say HIV is not small enough to squeeze through, but this site says it is. Is there anyone with a background in chem maybe that can answer this? Or maybe just someone with a knowledge of condom use and HIV? Please, oh please help me with an answer!!!

Answer 1

No, their not 100% safe. Statistics say it HELPS pervent HIV/STDS, etc... But it's not a one way ticket to go have sex. There's still a chance to recieve the diseases. In research it says that condoms only prevent 99% disease...what happens to that 1%. It's just left out in the open for random questions about what's could happen? Condom's break, girls get pregnant. Just because one person has had a great history with condoms, doesn't mean it applies to everyone. They break, end of story. Yes, it is safer to have sex with condoms then to have sex unprotected. But just remember, if you're going to make the decision to have sex, keep the consequences in mind. Do all you can to pervent pregnancies, HIV, etc... get tested!

Answer 2

well they are obviously better than other things and the only best thing is to not have sex at all. but if you are really set on doing that then use condoms because they are the best things out there and protect you from 98% of stds and pregnancy. I just learned about this in health and no you probably dont have HIV but condoms do have a 2% change of being defective so the only way to find out is if you get tested.

Answer 3

Ok, condoms do not protect you 100% from HIV or any other STD. However, you get a lot more protection with a condom than without one. Condoms decrease your chance of getting an STD, but you need to use them properly. You'll decrease the chance of getting tiny holes in condoms if you 1.) don't leave them in the sunlight or heat 2.) don't put them in your wallet and 3.) check the expiration date-never use an expired condom or a condom that doesn't have a date stamped on it

Answer 4

Condoms are not 100%. If used correctly (i.e., they fit well and you don't come in contact with ANY semen), you're probably fine. Condoms don't protect against viruses and bacteria that can be contracted through the pubic hair (i.e, crabs) or herpatitis C (i.e., if you are in contact with your partner's blood via a cut in the mouth or something).

Why don't you just go to a clinic and get tested. Getting tested for STD's involves a simple blood test and swab; it'll put your mind at ease.

Answer 5

If I were you I would go to a nurse or a doctor. Sometimes websites are do not have accurate or factual information. You can also take an HIV test and other STD tests which will help ease your mind.

Cheers to health.

Answer 6

Keep using the condoms, dude, and be more careful with whom you sleep..... if you have been super promiscuous, maybe think about changing your ways... get an aids test every year....... and for sure, don't stop using the condoms...... think Africa.... In Botswana 1 in four adults now carry the AIDS virus...think dead.....

Answer 7

they are as safe as anything out there.i;ve used them for 15years'and i have never had one break or tear.and they do the job 'there suppose too...people always come up with these rumors,,,i;ve never heard of the HIV small enough to squeeze thru a condom...just keep using them;like you been'and you'll be safe,,,,LOL

Answer 8

hey read the condom package it clearly states... used for the PREVENTION of pregnancy and HIV always try to use a spermicide condom and DO NOT believe the hype that "condoms prevent" this or that hey thats why the package NOW STATES prevention not ... this product WILL PREVENT.... thats why they recommend spermicide condoms or if you dont have spermicide condoms go buy spermicide suppositories for your vagina, they sell them in walmart and drug stores with names such as norform, as long as they are spermicide....... best bet is do NOT believe that oral or anal sex is safer than vaginal,,,,,,, its NOT ..... do NOT believe a person who says "im clean" get yourself tested regularly cause I AM THE PRODUCT OF CONDOM USE!!! so if a woman can get pregnant that evidently HIV and AIDS can pass through..... always use condoms... thats why they now say SAFER SEX not safe sex... remember USE CONDOMS, and USE SPERMICIDE, the spermicide HELPS to kill the sperm BUT it hasnt been proven to KILL every one of them ...... so best bet overall use a person spermicide for yourself cause i dont care if your ,male or female, guarenteed if ya use a spermicide with a spermicidal condom it SHOULD help keep ya from contracting a disease.... hope this helps

Answer 9

It's a fairly well known fact that condoms only protect against a fraction of STDs. There's no such thing as safe sex, and if you're going to sleep around, you almost certainly will catch something.

Answer 10

Yes they are if you use them correctly. If you really want to be sure, get tested for HIV/AIDS, STD"s etc then you not have to worry.