Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the plague of the previous 30 years. With the emergence of HIV/AIDS, the big topic of the late '80s and '90s was using protection during sex.

Although cases of AIDS in the United States have declined in the past few years, it is still a prevalent disease that can strike at any time. Condom use has been the prevention method of choice, short of complete abstinence. Condoms are not 100% safe, but if used properly, will reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. Although condoms have been in use since ancient times, Casanova was the first to popularize their use. They were at first made of linen or animal intestines, but at the advent of vulcanized rubber in the 1840's, they took on the name "rubbers" and were mass produced. There are many types of condoms available; most are made of latex rubber, but some are made from polyurethane or even animal tissue (e.g., "natural skin").

They may be lubricated, ribbed, or treated will spermicidal, and may be purchased without a prescription. Condoms are convenient and easy to use. They can help both partners from giving each other STDs.

With nearly one million Americans infected with HIV most of them through sexual transmission, and an estimated 12 million cases of other STDs occurring each year in the United States, effective strategies for preventing these diseases are critical.

Refraining from having sexual intercourse with an infected partner is the best way to prevent transmission of HIV and other STDs. But for those who have sexual intercourse, latex condoms are highly effective when used consistently and correctly.

The correct and consistent use of latex condoms during sexual intercourse--vaginal, anal, or oral--can greatly reduce a person's risk of acquiring or transmitting STDs, including HIV infection. In fact, recent studies provide compelling evidence that latex condoms are highly effective in protecting against HIV infection when used for every act of intercourse.

This protection is most evident from studies of couples in which one member is infected with HIV and the other is not, that is, "discordant couples". In a two-year study of discordant couples in Europe, among 124 couples who reported consistent use of latex condoms, none of the uninfected partners became infected. In contrast among the 121 couples who used condoms inconsistently, 12 (10%) of the uninfected partners became infected.

In another study, among a group of 134 discordant couples who did not use condoms at all or did not use them consistently, 16 partners (12%) became infected. This contrasts markedly with infections occurring in 3 partners (2%) of the 171 couples in this study who reported consistently using condoms over the two-year period.

An estimated 24 billion condoms should be used each year, but actual use is much less, at an estimated 6 to 9 billion each year. Despite the AIDS epidemic, many people practice risky sexual behavior -- even when they know that condoms prevent infections. It is unlikely that all sexually active people will always use condoms when needed. Powerful social norms encourage men to take sexual risks, such as visiting commercial sex workers, and at the same time discourage condom use. Traditional gender roles keep women from talking about sex or asking for condoms. Wives may know that their husbands have sex outside marriage but cannot suggest condoms for fear that their husbands might abuse or reject them.

There are other obstacles to condom use. Some people know little about condoms, dislike them, cannot afford them, or cannot obtain them easily. Even when used, condoms fail because of incorrect use - for instance, one very common cause of condom failure is the use of non-compatible lubricants; mineral oil and many other kinds of oils weaken or ruin condoms. It's best to check labels on products specifically designed as personal lubricants. Two great ones to try are VigRX Oil and Vigorelle -- both have the added benefit of increasing pleasure and intensity, which is of particular interest to condom users, since many complain that condoms reduce sensitivity for one or both partners.

Another major obstacle to condom use is that many people believe, wrongly, that they face little or no risk of pregnancy or STDs. Unmarried young people are particularly at risk: Many face social pressures to have sex and have difficulty getting condoms.

Bottom line: protect yourself, and make sure you are using protection correctly