Can You Get STDs While Using a Condom?

The Short Answer: Yes, But Risk Is Much Lower

Condoms are one of the most effective tools for preventing STIs – but they're not perfect. Some infections can spread despite condom use, while others are blocked very effectively.

Understanding what condoms can and can't do helps you make informed decisions about your sexual health.

How Condoms Protect Against STIs

The Mechanism

Condoms create a physical barrier that:

• Prevents exchange of bodily fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, blood)
• Blocks contact between mucous membranes
• Covers the main sites of infection transmission

What Makes Them Effective

• Latex and polyurethane are impermeable to viruses and bacteria
• Correct use prevents most fluid exchange
• Consistent use is key – every time, from start to finish

STIs Condoms Protect Against Well

For these infections, correct condom use reduces transmission by 80% or more:

HIV

• Condoms reduce HIV transmission by approximately 80-90%
• HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids
• The barrier prevents fluid exchange
• Combined with other prevention (PrEP), risk becomes negligible

Gonorrhoea

• Condoms are highly effective against gonorrhoea
• Bacteria are transmitted in genital fluids
• Consistent use significantly reduces risk

Chlamydia

• Similar protection to gonorrhoea
• Bacteria in fluids are blocked by the barrier
• Very effective with consistent correct use

Trichomoniasis

• Parasite transmitted in genital fluids
• Condoms prevent fluid exchange
• High effectiveness

[Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b)

• Transmitted through bodily fluids
• Condoms provide good protection
• Vaccination provides even better protection

STIs Where Condoms Provide Partial Protection

These infections can spread through skin-to-skin contact, so condoms reduce but don't eliminate risk:

[Herpes](/conditions/herpes) (HSV)

Why condoms help less:

• Spreads through skin-to-skin contact
• Sores can appear in areas not covered by condoms
• Viral shedding occurs from skin even without visible sores

Protection level:

• Reduce transmission by approximately 30%
• Better protection if sores are on covered areas
• Still worth using – some protection is better than none

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Why condoms help less:

• Spreads through skin-to-skin contact
• Affects genital areas not covered by condoms
• Can be present on scrotum, vulva, inner thighs

Protection level:

• Reduce transmission by approximately 70% for some HPV types
• Less protection for types affecting non-covered areas
• HPV vaccination provides better protection

[Genital Warts](/conditions/genital-warts) (caused by HPV)

• Similar to HPV – skin-to-skin transmission
• Warts may be in non-covered areas
• Partial protection

Syphilis

Why condoms help less:

• Spreads through contact with syphilis sores (chancres)
• Sores can appear anywhere in the genital area
• Condoms only protect if the sore is on a covered area

Protection level:

• Variable – depends on sore location
• Good protection if sore is on penis/inside vagina
• Less protection if sore is on scrotum, vulva, or mouth

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

• Live in pubic hair, not covered by condoms
• Spread through close body contact
• Condoms don't prevent transmission

Molluscum Contagiosum

• Spreads through skin contact
• Can affect genital and surrounding areas
• Condoms provide limited protection

Why Condoms Sometimes Fail

Even with STIs that condoms protect against well, failures can occur:

User Error

• Not using condoms from the very start of sex
• Incorrect application (wrong side, no space at tip)
• Using the wrong size (too tight or loose)
• Using oil-based lubricants with latex (causes breakdown)

Mechanical Failure

• Breakage (rare with correct use)
• Slippage
• Expired or damaged condoms
• Improper storage (heat, sunlight)

Inconsistent Use

• Using condoms only sometimes
• Removing before ejaculation
• Only using during certain activities

Maximising Condom Effectiveness

Choose the Right Condom

• Check it's within the expiry date
• Use correct size – too tight increases breakage risk
• Look for quality marks (CE, BSI Kitemark)

Store Properly

• Keep in a cool, dry place
• Don't store in wallets for long periods (heat and friction)
• Check the packet isn't damaged

Use Correctly

• Open carefully – don't use teeth or scissors
• Pinch the tip to leave space for semen
• Roll down the entire length of erect penis
• Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant (never oil-based with latex)

Use Consistently

• Every time you have sex
• From start to finish
• For vaginal, anal, and oral sex (where relevant)

After Sex

• Hold the base when withdrawing
• Remove carefully
• Dispose of properly (not in toilet)
• Use a new condom for each act

Beyond Condoms: Comprehensive Protection

For maximum STI protection, combine strategies:

Regular Testing

• Know your status
• Test between partners
• Catch infections early

Vaccination

• HPV vaccine (prevents warts and cancer-causing strains)
• Hepatitis A and B vaccines
• Highly effective additional protection

Communication

• Discuss STI status with partners
• Ask about testing history
• Make informed decisions together

PrEP for HIV

• Daily medication that prevents HIV infection
• Over 99% effective when taken as prescribed
• Combined with condoms, provides near-complete HIV protection

Limiting Partners

• Fewer partners means fewer exposure opportunities
• Consider exclusivity with tested partners

The Bottom Line

Condoms significantly reduce your risk of most STIs and should be used consistently with new or casual partners. However, they don't provide 100% protection, especially for infections spread through skin contact.

The best approach combines condom use with regular testing, vaccination where available, open communication with partners, and knowing your status.

Get Tested

Condoms reduce risk but don't eliminate it. Regular testing is an essential part of sexual health. Book your confidential STI test today.