Health matter : Question for Pinoyblaze

[Miss_Gagarin]

Hi ya!

I had that discussion with my friend's roomate and his friends. One of them said something that disturbed me, but it's the only time I've heard that and I doubt I should give it any credit. He said that a pharmacist told him that latex or polyuréthane condoms could not efficiently protect from HIV since the virus is smaller that the condom molecules, making it able to pass through it like sand through a sieve. What do you think of that? I don't want to believe it, but there is a tiny part of me that thinks 'what if...?'

thx!

[Neff]

Myth #2: HIV can pass through condoms

A commonly held misperception is that latex condoms contain "holes" that allow passage of HIV. Although this may be true for natural membrane condoms, laboratory studies show that intact latex condoms provide a continuous barrier to microorganisms, including HIV, as well as sperm.



From http://www.thebody.com/content/art17057.html

Looks like your friends pharmacist is confusing latex condoms with things like lamb skin condoms... That is reassuring for people getting medicine from that person :D

[crazydaiz]

I go to a catholic school and this is the exact same thing they told us.
So woot there's some reassurance for everybody.

[pinoyblaze]

Hi ya!

I had that discussion with my friend's roommate and his friends. One of them said something that disturbed me, but it's the only time I've heard that and I doubt I should give it any credit. He said that a pharmacist told him that latex or polyuréthane condoms could not efficiently protect from HIV since the virus is smaller that the condom molecules, making it able to pass through it like sand through a sieve. What do you think of that? I don't want to believe it, but there is a tiny part of me that thinks 'what if...?'

thx!

Thank you Miss_Gagarin. Let me first say that though I am not a pharmacist, my knowledge on this subject comes from experience as well as working with people who have been working on HIV/STD and AIDS prevention in the last 26 years of the epidemic. So here goes.

There is a common misconception that condoms are 100% safe. In actuality, both female and male condoms are often misused, bringing this percentage between 94 to 99.9 percent when preventing HIV or pregnancy. This is not a attempt to scare however. In actuality, "saf(er)" sex with condoms and lubricate (For anal play) is advisable as it helps decrease the amount of friction that causes breakage.

As for the virus molecules being small enough to freely flow through latex or polyuréthane, this has no real medical backing, and actually this is the first time I've ever heard of it. Good quality latex condoms are electronically tested, individually to test for breakage /weakness. So I am assuming that the misconception is actually from lambskin and so called "natural condoms".

The use of literally lamb intestine lining for protection is extremely ineffective for both pregnancy and protection against HIV/STDS. Because it is made from a perishable organic material, it actually provide no protection. That's actually when the virus can freely flow through that certain barrier. Latex and female condoms however do not suffer that disadvantage.

One thing that can actually cause breakage of the latex is the use of oil based lubricant (use only water or silicone based) or even using it after the expiration date. I like to throw away condoms when it's a little over a month before the expiration because of this. Look on the back of the packet. It should be there.

Also extreme heat, and opening the packet with you mouth will often increase the chance or breakage. Also (don't laugh, this happens) only use a condom once. For some reason some people believe they can reuse it. ONLY use it once!!! You can receive free condoms from a local planned parenthood or any sexual health provider. Many teen homeless drop-in shelters provide this service too.

Anyway, I hope this helped ease any uncertainty. Remember, wrap it up :P Any more questions? Feel free to ask!!! :D

-Pino
Peer Health Educator
AACI

[pinoyblaze]

From http://www.thebody.com/content/art17057.html

Looks like your friends pharmacist is confusing latex condoms with things like lamb skin condoms... That is reassuring for people getting medicine from that person :D

good job Neff, you got to it first :P Glad there are knowledgeable people here!!!! KEEP SAFE! KEEP HEALTHY!! :D

[Jelfish]

I found this article on Straight Dope that touches on the subject:
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a940506.html

You know.. I have access to a scanning electron microscope that can easily see .1 microns. Maybe I should go in at night with a condom and take some pictures for you all.

EDIT: wow. that's got to be a setup for something lol.

[pinoyblaze]

I found this article on Straight Dope that touches on the subject:
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a940506.html

You know.. I have access to a scanning electron microscope that can easily see .1 microns. Maybe I should go in at night with a condom and take some pictures for you all.

EDIT: wow. that's got to be a setup for something lol.

haha don't worry, after talking about it so much you'll get use to it. I've found talking about sex so much more...well medical now rather than induendo (though its still funny you said that lol :D)

[Miss_Gagarin]

Good! And thanks! It might seem weird to ask that question, but who knows what news scientific research will bring? And there is so many hoaxes running here and there. The use of a (latex) condom is always a prerequisite as far as I'm concerned!! :p

[pinoyblaze]

The biggest threat to a healthy sexual lifestyle is misinformation. Questions are the only tool we have against such things. Thanks for asking!!! For anyone else who has a question on sexual health, please feel free to ask!