Condom Use and HPV

Washington, DC - June 26, 2006

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine substantiates the effectiveness of condoms both in the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), including the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The findings of the study Condom Use and the Risk of Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection in Young Women, support PAI’s long held belief that condom use is critical not only for HIV prevention but for prevention of other STIs. Programs that promote condom use for the prevention of HIV must collaborate with family planning programs for the purpose of reducing STIs, including HPV.

This well designed study evaluated the relationship between condom use and male-to-female transmission of HPV, the virus that can cause cervical cancer. This study, the first of its kind, found that male condoms effectively reduce the risk of male-to-female genital HPV transmission. Women whose partners always wore a condom during sex were 70 percent less likely to be infected with HPV than those whose partners used a condom less than 5 percent of the time.

As PAI points out in its seminal study Condoms Count: Meeting the need in the era of HIV/AIDS, condom use can have a dramatic impact on reducing HIV and other STIs. To be effective, HIV/AIDS prevention programs must include a range and mix of interventions tailored to the specific needs of various groups and localities. And in light of U.S. investments in successful international family planning programs for the past forty years, HIV prevention programs should work in concert with existing family planning programs, where appropriate. These new findings support the argument that individuals should receive comprehensive education on how condom use can not only prevent HIV infection and unintended pregnancies, but also other STIs including HPV.

Condom promotion and distribution are vital in preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and HPV. They need to be supported with strong political leadership, appropriate funding, sound policies, and well-coordinated programs. PAI urges the U.S. government to suspend their ideologies in order to demonstrate support for evidence-based prevention methods, including condoms.A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine substantiates the effectiveness of condoms both in the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), including the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The findings of the study Condom Use and the Risk of Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection in Young Women, support PAI’s long held belief that condom use is critical not only for HIV prevention but for prevention of other STIs. Programs that promote condom use for the prevention of HIV must collaborate with family planning programs for the purpose of reducing STIs, including HPV.

Population Action International (PAI) works to improve individual well-being and preserve global resources by mobilizing political and financial support for population, family planning and reproductive health policies and programs.