Why the "Great Debate" over Condoms and Barrier Birth Control?
- 43 million women of reproductive age, or seven in 10, are sexually active and do not want to become pregnant, but could become pregnant if they or their partners fail to use a contraceptive method.
- More than one in 10 American couples of reproductive age rely on condoms or spermicides (either alone or with a barrier birth control method, like the condom, diaphragm or cervical cap) to prevent pregnancy.
- Male latex condoms are effective in preventing the most serious STI (HIV), the most easily transmitted STIs (gonorrhea and chlamydia) and another important sexually transmitted condition (unplanned pregnancy).
- The male condom is 98% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy when used perfectly; it is 85% effective with "typical" use.
- The available data are inadequate to prove condom effectiveness against some STIs, which indicates a need for further research, not the inadequacy of condoms.
- The ongoing campaign by conservatives to disparage condoms and other contraceptives misinforms the public about contraceptive effectiveness, putting people at increased risk of unintended pregnancy and STI.
EXPERT STATEMENT
"The condom is a highly effective, convenient way for couples to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancy," says Heather Boonstra, senior public policy associate with the Guttmacher Institute. "The issues surrounding the safety and effectiveness of condoms and spermicides are incredibly complex, and there is a wealth of scientific information to digest in order to understand what it all means. When public health messages do not include accurate information or, worse, when complicated data are twisted to promote a political agenda, many people are put at increased risk unnecessarily."
To set up an interview, contact Rebecca Wind at 212-248-1953 or rwind@guttmacher.org.
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