Condoms are known as the best preventives for unwanted pregnancies and many Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like HIV, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and trichomoniasis. However, it was not considered as important in preventing genital herpes, also a STD. A recent study has found that using condoms helps in bringing down the risk of herpes by 30%.

The earlier assumption of the ineffectiveness of condoms in preventing herpes was based on the fact that it can be transmitted through the exposed skin not covered by the condom. To ascertain the exact effect of condoms at preventing herpes, a study examined the data of more than 5,000 people. The study participants were two-thirds male and 94% heterosexual.

All the participants were free from herpes when the study began. In the next 12 to 19 months, 415 of them contracted herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2), the virus responsible for genital herpes. Among the group that always used condoms without fail, the risk of the disease was found to be 30% less than those who did not use them.

Even though 30% is not a large margin of protection as in other STDs, it still can offer benefit for individuals. Dr. Emily T. Martin, Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Washington, and lead author of the study claims that thirty percent is only partial protection, but still a protection.

The researchers found that the risk was reduced by 7% for percent “every additional 25 percent of the time condoms were used during anal or vaginal sex”. The risk also increased with the frequency of unprotected sex. Another fact revealed by the study is that there is no gender discrimination in condom efficacy.

Martin’s advice is to use condoms when unsure of the STD status of the partner.

For more information, please visit the source article.