Sex is everywhere. When one watches MTV music videos,
it is there. It is in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. The graffiti on the bathroom walls even has it. In comparison
to the last few centuries, sex with many partners is more prominent and accepted by society than ever before. In this atmosphere,
sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy have become paramount concerns, and as a result, the efficacy of condoms has become
an area of great interest and importance. The spectrum of professional opinions runs the gamut, and thus there is apparent
disagreement in the scientific community and misunderstanding by the public on the subject of condom use and its benefits.
In particular, it is of great importance to know whether condoms are constructive in averting the spread of pathogenic viruses.
Within this topic, there is often specific disagreement or lack knowledge as to whether one material of condom is more effective
than another and whether lubricating a condom affects the efficacy its efficacy. A study conducted in 1997 tested condoms
of two different materials to determine which allowed virus penetration and in what quantities in an effort to address these
questions (Lytle, et al. 1997, pg. 161).
The methodology behind the study was fairly simple and
straightforward. Lytle et al. (1997, pg. 161-164) chose an appropriate test virus based on the relative safety in handling,
the comparatively low cost, and the “small” size of the virus. The small size in particular allowed for test that
would be representative of all known sexually transmitted viruses since a smaller virus is more likely to permeate a condom.
This virus was then immersed in a buffer that would maintain a stable environment for the virus and simulate specific body
fluids like semen. Nine different brands of male latex condom were used and 2 brands of polyurethane condoms were used for
a total test set of 470 and 76 samples respectively. Lubricated condoms were gently scrubbed to remove the lubrication before
testing. All other conditions were designed to simulate use directly out of the package. During testing, the scientists filled
the condoms with buffer containing the virus and placed them in a collection bath. After 30 minutes, the scientists collected
data on how much, if any, of the virus had penetrated the condom into the solution of buffer.
The results of the test most condoms provide a barrier
to viruses. Of the 470 latex condoms tested only 12 (2.6%) allowed detectable virus penetration with no statistically significant
difference between the effectiveness of polyurethane condoms versus latex condoms. Therefore, it was shown using a polyurethane
condom was just as effective as using a latex one. The lubrication also was shown not to have any significant affect on the
utility of the condoms as virus barriers. One may have heard that using a condom is effective in preventing virus transmission,
but this is the first time there is specific scientific data to show that polyurethane and/or lubricated condoms are as effective
as non-lubricated latex ones.
Since this experiment was conducted in a laboratory, it
can only estimate the environment and circumstances under which condoms are actually used and therefore has certain limitations.
First, the parameters used in the experiment such as pressure and the length of the test were exaggerated to give a conservative
estimate so the results may be biased towards greater failure. Second, a laboratory cannot fully anticipate the circumstances
under which a condom may be used including holes that may develop during use and/or breakage of the condom so efficacy during
actual use is still in doubt. Third, the chance of being infected by the virus that does penetrate the membrane is specifically
dependent upon each virus and was not addressed by this study. Finally, this investigation only studied sexual transmission
from men to women and not vice versa. In summary, condoms are effective in preventing the sexual transmission of viruses,
but how effective is likely dependent on the specific circumstances under which the condom is utilized.
These findings could be relevant
to any person who is sexually active. It is estimated that 65 million Americans are living with an STD and that the majority
of these are incurable viruses (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 2001, pg. 2). Having sex without the
protection of a condom enhances the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted virus. This study has shown that a polyurethane
condom provides the same benefits of latex and that lubrication of the condom does not affect its structural integrity. These
findings support the theory that using a condom of either material is a significant defense mechanism against contracting
a virus sexually. In the event that sex is undertaken, the results of this study suggest that condoms are an effective barrier
to viruses but also have several constraints. Therefore, condom use is quite beneficial but transmission of an STD is still
possible. Further studies are most definitely still necessary in this field to gain further insight into the matter, but this
study does provide some much needed clarity for the scientific community and general public.
References
Lytle, D., Routson, L., Seaborn, G.,
Dixon, L., Bushar, H., & Cyr, H. (1997). An In Vitro Evaluation to Condoms as Barriers to a Small Virus. Sexually Transmitted
Diseases, 24(3), 161-164.
National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. (2001) Workshop Summary:
Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention
