Effectiveness of Condoms in Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections, King K. Holmes et al., Bulletin of the World Health Organization (2004).

In June 2000 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that condoms were effective only in reducing the transmission of HIV and in lowering the risk of gonorrhea in men. In response, this article sought to verify this conclusion by reviewing multiple studies which analyzed the effectiveness of condoms. In contrast to the NIH conclusions, the article found several studies which support the view that condoms are effective in reducing the risk--in both men and women--of chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus type 2, syphilis, trichomoniasis, HIV/AIDS, and in some circumstances, HPV.

For instance, with regards to gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, trichomoniasis and syphilis, a recent cohort study of sex workers in Lima, Peru demonstrated that condom use led to a 62% reduction in the risk of acquiring gonorrhea, a 26% reduction in the risk of acquiring chlamydia, and there was additional evidence of a significant reduction in the risk of acquiring trichomoniasis. Another study similarly found that consistent, correct condom use among women at a high-risk for STIs was associated with a statistically significant reduction of risk in incidence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

Overall, the research assessed in this article demonstrates that condoms may be more effective in preventing STIs and STI-related infections than NIH acknowledged. This suggests the need for further data on the benefits of consistent, correct condom usage in different types of sexual contact as well the need for additional programs which promote proper and consistent condom use.