National Physicians Center for Family Resources
(Birmingham)
- The
National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a report on July 20 evaluating the
ability of condoms to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs).
During
the past twenty years epidemic numbers of individuals have become infected with
STDs, so that now, “65 million individuals are living with an STD, the majority
of which are incurable viral infections.”
We
agree with the NIH that “Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV,
are common, important and preventable causes of morbidity, mortality and
disability . . .” We also strongly agree that, “primary prevention of infection
is an important health priority.”
We
commend the NIH for evaluating the extensive medical literature that addresses
the effectiveness of condoms. However, after evaluating 182 articles and
scientific studies spanning more than two decades, the NIH states that,
“research is inconclusive;” that condoms may be helpful in reducing risk for some
STDs, but additional research is needed. But our patients cannot wait for more
research.
Medical
literature already confirms the following:
·
Correct
condom use as promoted by the CDC and NIH is almost impossible to achieve. For
example, correct use includes factors such as correct storage (out of the way
of heat or sunlight) both before and after purchase.
·
Condoms
do not cover all areas of the body that may be affected and many STDs are
transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, as well as through other bodily
secretions.
·
Condoms
slip off and break. Although the NIH uses the lowest numbers available, even
their paper acknowledges slippage and breakage rates of 0.8 to 4.6 percent.
·
Condoms
leak. In FDA testing to approve batches of condoms, 1 in 400 condoms are
allowed to leak water upon visual inspection and still be approved for use. In
addition, this visual test cannot detect less than 1 microliter of fluid
escaping, but this amount of seminal fluid may contain 100,000 HIV particles.
·
Condoms
are made of latex and have naturally occurring holes / flaws. Electron microscopy
reveals holes in the latex that are 50 times the size of the HIV virus.
·
A
lifelong mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is the
best method of preventing all STDs
The
NIH report urging further research is misguided and dooms millions of Americans
to future infection. The NIH may be reluctant to admit that condoms provide
little protection against most STDs, fearing this will result in decreased
condom use. However, it is incumbent upon this prestigious medical organization
to tell Americans the whole truth about condom effectiveness. This is also
mandated by the recently-enacted Public Law 106-554, requiring that federal
agencies provide medically-accurate information regarding the effectiveness, or
lack of effectiveness of condoms. Promoting condom use without providing all
the facts regarding the true risk of STD transmission offers the American
public a false sense of security. It is, in essence, medical malpractice and
cannot be tolerated.
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The
National Physicians Center for Family Resources is a 501 (c ) (3) organization
established to produce and promote family-friendly educational resources,
public policy and model legislation with the assistance of a national network
of physicians.