Expert: John Thai, M.D. - 11/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi
What do you mean when you say that condoms are a great protection from any STD, but they aren't 100% reliable. Is it possible for an STD to get through an intact condom?
There's no contact with your partner's fluids.

ANSWER: Condoms only protects against any sexually transmittable infections via ejaculatory fluids or your partner's ejaculatory/vaginal fluids. It does not protect against any STIs located on the surface on the pubis (--the pubic hear region/fat pad) or scrotum. So yes, it is possible to get STIs from an intact condom, like warts, herpes, etc.

Regarsd,

John Thai, MD

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for such an immediate response,but I need to specify my previous question. I know that you can get herpes even when you use a condom because of skin to kin contact. I wanted to ask if it's possible to catch HIV or other serious STDs such as syphilis or hepatitis if the condom stays intact. I know that having herpes is not nice, but let's face it, it's not the end of the world:)
Sorry to bother you again.Oh, one more question, do you agree that receiving protected oral sex from a woman is absolutely risk free?Many respected doctors say it is, but I would like to know your opinion.
Thank you

Answer
Hi Jacob,

There is no way anyone can assure you that the use of a condom will prevent you from catching any sexually transmittable infections (STIs). The condom is 99% effective. There may be a defect of the condom or improper use of the condom can also increase the risks of infection.

There is a very low risk of catching hepatitis C through sex unless blood contact is involved. Thus, it has always been a recommendation to not engage in sexual intercourse during or immediately after having a period even with the use of a condom. Or it is not recommended to have anal sex if there is an inflamed or bleeding hemorrhoids even with the use of a condom.

Hepatitis A and B are preventable. I highly recommend that you get vaccinated, if you haven't done so.

Most STIs are treatable. However, not all will present with symptoms until it is chronic and cause major problems.

If you are very careful when using a condom, the risks of contracting HIV is lowered. I understand this is a question has been addressed throughout the past decade since the mass governmental public health department intervention of handing out free condoms. However, no physicians will ever advise you that it is risk-free. Additionally, there has been no reported cases associating the use of condoms and contracting HIV.

As a recipient of protected oral sex, it is not risk-free. There is still risks of contracting warts, fungal, and herpes. The individual who is performing the oral sex is 100x more at risk of contracting an illness than the one who is receiving it.

Hence, I can only advise you to use protection at all times, even during oral sex.

Regards,

John Thai, MD