Can You Get An STD While Wearing A Condom?

Latex condoms have shown to be a greatly effective barrier against STDs. However, in order for condoms to be effective that must be worn consistently and correctly. Only condoms that are manufactured for STD prevention are considered suitable for the task. Natural condoms, like lambskin, are not safe for preventing STDs.

Condoms act as a barrier to STDs that can be found in bodily fluids like semen, blood and vaginal fluids.

Proper condom use practices include:

• Using a new condom for every vaginal, anal, or oral sex act
• Putting a condom on before genital contact
• Withdrawing the condom carefully and disposing right away
• Replacing broken condoms immediately
• Using water-based lubricant

It’s important to remember that even with the perfect use of a condom, there are a number of STDs you can get even with a condom because they are transmitted in ways that don’t involve condoms.  

Certain STDs are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact not intercourse. With these, condoms won’t prevent the transmission of these infections.

STDs that can be passed while wearing a condom include:

HPV (human papillomavirus)

HPV is one of the most common STIs, and there are over 100 strains of the virus. With HPV, some strains will show no symptoms. Other strains can cause genital warts or various cancers. Since genital warts can affect areas not covered by a condom, you are still susceptible to catching HPV even if you wear a condom.

Genital Herpes

Herpes is a viral STD that typically shows signs in the form of sores or lesions on the genitals, anus or upper thighs. Since these sores or lesions can appear on parts of the body other than the genitals it can spread from partner to partner while a condom is being worn.

Syphilis

Syphilis is highly contagious. It is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact like anal, vaginal and oral. Syphilis sores happen on site of infection and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact regardless of condom use.

Public Lice

Also known as crabs, pubic lice infects the genitals. Crabs are most common among teens and are spread through skin-to-skin contact. Crabs live in pubic hair and can spread with regular condom use or not.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum Contagiosum causes small red-ish raised bumps to form on the body. These bumps are firm and typically painless, they can also appear as small dimples. 

So what does this mean?

Even though most sexually transmitted infections are typically prevented with condom use there is still a chance for transmission due to skin to skin contact. When it comes to STDs that are passed through sexual fluids, coming into contact with these fluids can result in infection.

Condoms are essential to preventing pregnancy and practicing safe sex.

However, condoms do not keep you 100% safe from STDs. Safe is Sexy with myLAB Box, stay on top of your sexual health and get tested today!