Latex and Plastic Condoms Help Prevent Different STDs

By Kevin Ishizuka

Condoms are thin pouches that cover the penis during sex, and they decrease the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections by preventing the interaction of sexual fluids. In using a latex or plastic condom, you can decrease your chance of transmitting HIV by 80-90%, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia by 50-60% and Herpes by 30%. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).

Although there are three categories of condoms (latex, plastic, and animal skin), only latex and plastic condoms can decrease your chance of transmitting STDS. While condoms made from animal skin can be successful in preventing pregnancy, they are completely ineffective in preventing the transmission of STIs. (PlannedParenthood.org)

For those of us who have latex allergies, plastic condoms made from polyisoprene, polyurethane, or polyethylene are still effective at preventing STIs. These non-latex brands include LifeStyles SKYN Original Condoms, Durex Avanti Bare Condoms, and Trojan Supra Non-Latex Condoms.