The condom is one of the safest methods to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies, reaching an effectiveness of more than 90% but it is not total given that there are many cases in which this latex sheath Polyurethane can break, leave or simply does not cover all existing infections.
In this sense, the condom reduces the risk of contagion and spread of STD that can be contracted through vaginal, anal or oral sex, however, there are other intimate practices that can also promote the spread of sexual diseases and do not require only of penetration
And although it may sound obvious, it should be borne in mind that the condom does not protect from infections that can be transmitted through the rubbing of skin with skin, particularly in the area of the pelvis, or by fluid contact of an infected person with the skin.
There are at least five well-known diseases but they are usually associated only with sexual contact through penetration, when in fact the risk of infection is much wider.
1.- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV can cause warts in different parts of the body and although there are more than 200 types, about 40 affect the genitals, according to the portal of the US Library of Medicine, Medline.
The virus spreads through sexual contact with an infected person through genital contact with penetration (vaginal and / or anal), which is the most common, or through oral-genital, manual-genital and genital-genital contact, mainly if there are warts .
These usually appear in the area of the groin, anus and perineum. Also, if the fluids of an infected person touch your skin, they can also catch you.
It should be noted that although HPV causes the appearance of genital warts, the high risk is related to cancer of the cervix, anus, vulva, vagina, penis and some types of oral cancer.
It is also important to know that some people do not necessarily have warts and may have the virus without obvious symptoms.
2. Genital mollusc or molluscum contagiosum
Although it is not a disease of exclusive sexual transmission, the genital is a skin condition that is spread by direct contact of skin with skin and also by sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) without protection.
The lesions occur in various parts of the body, mainly the face, armpits, neck, arms, hands and genitals.
The appearance of these lesions on the genitals, often confused with herpes or warts, however, these marks are not painful. The infection appears as a small papule that grows into a flesh-colored, pearl-like nodule.
It is the scratching, by its irritation, that facilitates the spread of the virus, as well as the intimate rubbing in a sexual relationship with an infected person.
3.- Syphilis
It is a disease caused by a bacterium and its only response to infection, so that the use of condoms would be enough to prevent infection, but while it reduces its spread, it is not total because Sometimes the sores can be present in areas that the condom does not cover.
This picture infects the genital area, the mouth and / or the anus and is presented through sores.
The early stage of syphilis occurs with sores and sometimes inflames nearby lymph nodes. These rashes do notch and are frequent in the hands and feet.
And although many people may not notice their symptoms, they usually disappear and appear every so often, which is very dangerous because in later stages of the disease, the patient may have difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, blindness, dementia, damage to internal organs and even death, according to the US Government’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
4.- Trichomoniasis
It is a disease caused by a parasite and is spread through sexual practices that include genital touch with an infected person. Sharing intimate apparel or personal use, can also facilitate their transmission.
Many of the people do not show symptoms, and these usually appear between five and 28 days after contracting the infection. In women it is more worrisome, since it presents with greenish or yellowish vaginal secretions, pain or burning during sexual intercourse, painful urination, itching inside or around the vagina.
5. Genital herpes
Caused by the herpes simplex virus, this disease can cause sores in the genital or rectal area, buttocks, thighs and groin, and is contracted through sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) with someone who has the virus and by simple rubbing skin with skin
It should be noted that the virus can spread even when there is no present and there are treatments to reduce outbreaks and, in the same way, reduce the risk of contagion to other people, the virus remains in the body forever.
These sores usually appear near the area where the virus entered our body.
6.Pubic Lice / Crabs
Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are Pthirus pubis that infect the genitals. These lice are most common among teens and are normally spread during sexual, skin-to-skin contact. Pubic lice can live between pubic hair and can spread whether a condom is used or not.
7.Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum causes small red or pink raised bumps to form on the body. These firm bumps are typically painless and can sometimes appear as small dimples. When they occur on the genitals from skin-to-skin contact with an individual infection, and they are considered an STI.
Tips for condom use
One of the safest ways to prevent the spread of STDs is to have a single sexual partner who is not infected, however, in the case that is not so, the condom is still the safest at the time of intimacy, so same, it is important to keep in mind three fundamental rules:
1.- Use it during the whole sexual relationship:
It does not help if you use it for a while and then you take it off. Also, try to use a new one if you change the type of penetration or pass to oral sex. Also, you should wear the condom before genital contact.
2.- Position it as indicated in the steps:
Take the tip of the deposit, place it on the tip of the erect penis and then unroll it to the base. If it does not have a deposit tip, simply tighten the tip of the condom to make it work that way.
3 .- Eye to the lubrication:
Sometimes the lubrication is not enough and this can cause friction in the genital or anal area to break the condom. For this reason, make sure that there is adequate lubrication and, if necessary, use water-based lubricants. eye! Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex.
