Condoms - how effective are they - Sexually Transmitted Diseases Message Board

dylon8000 · 03-29-2001, 12:07 AM

Okay, they say that with perfect use condoms are 98% effective, but in reality, in real use, they are only 86% effective. So my question is, what accounts for that difference in 12%? Are the people in that 12% just a bunch of idiots? Or if I always use condoms correctly can I consider them 98% effective? I've practiced putting condoms on before etc... and know how to use them so.... what's the deal? 86% or 98%?

madisonk44 · 05-14-2001, 07:53 PM

good question. you've probably heard of girls being on the pill and some of them get pregant. i wonder if those are the ones that aren't taking them faithfully (you know like forgetting to take them or like my aunt forgot it purpose to get pregnant)? i don't know. but susposely condoms are a big help to protect against pregnancy. just be careful it's not always the case. as for stds like gential warts and herpes even though your shaft is protected you still have other intimate areas exposed. (example your scrotum, groin areas, anal etc..) just remember there's nothing that i can think of that's a 100% there's always that 99.9%