The “safe sex” and the condom facing with HIV

Abstract

For the prevention oh HIV by sexual transmission, the so called “safe sex” approach has been proposed, which includes a change in sexual behavior and condom use. The latter has been strongly supported by health authorities, and is often presented as an unfailing protection. Statistics, however, show that the condom is not without failures. It allows pregnancies in 15% of sexual intercourses when used as a contraceptive; it does not stop Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) viruses when used as a prophylactic agent. This is true for several reasons: there are some micropores in the latex membrane; condom break easily or slide away, especially during the homosexual act; latex degrades; and the external surface of condoms can be spoiled by pre-ejaculatory secretions containing HIV. Statistics show that in 10 to 15% of sexual acts condoms do not prevent HIV trasmission. This risk rises to 20-30% when the act is homosexual, when sexual promiscuity is high and when there is an STD. This risk can fall down below 10% in case of a faithful heterosexual couple, without STD. Therefore, true “safe sex” cannot be expected from the use of a condom. Rather, it requires chastity, sexual abstinence, or faithfulness in marriage.