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Condoms Important
in Protecting Against STDs
(onlinedatingmagazine.com -
April 8, 2004) According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), the consistent and correct
use of latex condoms is highly effective in preventing
the transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Condoms can also reduce the risk of other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs).
"Abstaining from sex is the surest way to avoid
contracting an STD. However, there are many for whom
abstinence is not a practical solution to preventing
STDs," says Theresa Raphael, Executive Director
of the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD). "The
bottom line is that if you are sexually active, condoms
are still the best protection available."
In recent months national attention has focused on
condom effectiveness in preventing human papillomavirus
(HPV). HPV is an extremely prevalent STD which in rare
cases can lead to cervical cancer, which is preventable,
treatable and curable. Available scientific evidence
suggests that the effectiveness of condoms in preventing
HPV is unknown. However, condom use has been associated
with lower rates of HPV-associated diseases, including
cervical cancer.
"Nearly 90% of Americans are sexually active
before marriage," says Raphael. "Even in
a monogamous, long-term relationship - including marriage
- you or your partner may very well have been exposed
to an STD at some point in your life and could transmit
that disease."
Scaring sexually active individuals away from using
condoms will not reduce the prevalence of HPV, but
instead will put sexually active individuals at risk
for life-threatening STDs. Condoms are highly effective
in preventing unintended pregnancy and offer the best
protection against a range of sexually transmitted
diseases, especially HIV.
NCSD urges all sexually active Americans to "love
responsibly" and protect themselves from sexually
transmitted diseases.
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