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Some (random) questions on STDs
Hello,
Firstly, if this is the wrong forum, then I apologise for this.
OK, my questions are:
1)For heterosexual sex, assuming condoms are used correctly, and there are no breakages, what are the chances of pregnancy occurring?
2)I know that some condoms promote themselves as being better for against STDs, and some are better against pregnancies (if I remember correctly, there is a spermicidal lubricant that can affect chances of getting HIV, though I might have misread this). If I want to prevent pregnancy AND STDs, which is best, or does it not matter as long as they're used correctly?
3)For unprotected cunnilingus, what STDs is the person giving cunnilingus leaving themselves open to?
4)For unprotected fingering, what STDs is the person doing the fingering leaving themselves open to? Also, do open cuts make any difference?
Thank you.
p.s. I have just noticed that there are international forums on here, what's the difference?
Firstly, if this is the wrong forum, then I apologise for this.
OK, my questions are:
1)For heterosexual sex, assuming condoms are used correctly, and there are no breakages, what are the chances of pregnancy occurring?
2)I know that some condoms promote themselves as being better for against STDs, and some are better against pregnancies (if I remember correctly, there is a spermicidal lubricant that can affect chances of getting HIV, though I might have misread this). If I want to prevent pregnancy AND STDs, which is best, or does it not matter as long as they're used correctly?
3)For unprotected cunnilingus, what STDs is the person giving cunnilingus leaving themselves open to?
4)For unprotected fingering, what STDs is the person doing the fingering leaving themselves open to? Also, do open cuts make any difference?
Thank you.
p.s. I have just noticed that there are international forums on here, what's the difference?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome. This is indeed the right forum. There is no important difference beteween this and the international forum, except for the location of the moderators (US and UK, respectively).
1) There is no single number for condom effectiveness against pregnancy. A woman is fertile only a few days each months; at other times, condoms work 100% of the time. During fertile periods, they probably are around 95-99% effective for any single episode of vaginal sex, assuming the condom indeed is properly used and doesn't break -- perhaps higher if a spermicide also is used, as you suggest in the next question. However, when couples depend entirely on condoms (with or without spermicides) for contraception, on average the rate of pregnancy is reduced by "only" 90%. That figure (called "use effectiveness") reflects the fact that condoms often are not used correctly and sometimes break. Pretty good, but not perfect.
2) HIV infection in women is higher if they regularly use spermicides, because those chemicals damage the vaginal lining. They kill sperm, but they also kill superficial vaginal cells. There probably is little if any increased HIV risk for men, but this hasn't been studied. If the primary intent of condoms is contraception, then a spermicide makes sense, but for STD/HIV prevention, a spermcide is best avoided.
3) All STDs are rare from cunnilingus, both for the oral and vaginal partner. The oral partner in theory can acquire herpes, gonorrhea, or syphilis, but the actual risk is miniscule.
4) Fingering does not transmit any STDs.
Here is another thread that goes into greater detail about condoms and STD/HIV risk: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/How-safe-are-condoms-when-used-correctly/show/665887
I hope this helps. Best regards-- HHH, MD
1) There is no single number for condom effectiveness against pregnancy. A woman is fertile only a few days each months; at other times, condoms work 100% of the time. During fertile periods, they probably are around 95-99% effective for any single episode of vaginal sex, assuming the condom indeed is properly used and doesn't break -- perhaps higher if a spermicide also is used, as you suggest in the next question. However, when couples depend entirely on condoms (with or without spermicides) for contraception, on average the rate of pregnancy is reduced by "only" 90%. That figure (called "use effectiveness") reflects the fact that condoms often are not used correctly and sometimes break. Pretty good, but not perfect.
2) HIV infection in women is higher if they regularly use spermicides, because those chemicals damage the vaginal lining. They kill sperm, but they also kill superficial vaginal cells. There probably is little if any increased HIV risk for men, but this hasn't been studied. If the primary intent of condoms is contraception, then a spermicide makes sense, but for STD/HIV prevention, a spermcide is best avoided.
3) All STDs are rare from cunnilingus, both for the oral and vaginal partner. The oral partner in theory can acquire herpes, gonorrhea, or syphilis, but the actual risk is miniscule.
4) Fingering does not transmit any STDs.
Here is another thread that goes into greater detail about condoms and STD/HIV risk: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/How-safe-are-condoms-when-used-correctly/show/665887
I hope this helps. Best regards-- HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Look at MedHelp's list of forums. There is a community forum on sexuality and a professionall moderated forum about sex and relationships.
Thanks for your reply on this.
Where would be best to discuss these questions if I wanted to discuss them more?
Where would be best to discuss these questions if I wanted to discuss them more?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
These questions are more about sexuality in general, but the forum is limited to STDs. But here are some brief replies.
1) Neither sperm nor viruses leak through intact latex or polyurethane, and probably not even through natural membrane condoms. Pregnancy and infections occur because of failure to use condoms properly, breakage, or becuase semen gets into the vagina through indirect contact (for pregnancy, although probably not for most STDs).
2) A slight temperature rise occurs on the day of ovulation, sometimes used by women to judge when they are most likely to conceive -- i.e. taking their temperatures every day early in the morning. However, it is not very reliable.
3) Conversations about STD/HIV risk, recent STD testing, and contraception make sense before any new sexual contact. Of course there are some circumstances where this is impractical.
4) Hormonal contraception (the pill or hormone implant) is most reliable.
That should wind up this thread. Take care.
1) Neither sperm nor viruses leak through intact latex or polyurethane, and probably not even through natural membrane condoms. Pregnancy and infections occur because of failure to use condoms properly, breakage, or becuase semen gets into the vagina through indirect contact (for pregnancy, although probably not for most STDs).
2) A slight temperature rise occurs on the day of ovulation, sometimes used by women to judge when they are most likely to conceive -- i.e. taking their temperatures every day early in the morning. However, it is not very reliable.
3) Conversations about STD/HIV risk, recent STD testing, and contraception make sense before any new sexual contact. Of course there are some circumstances where this is impractical.
4) Hormonal contraception (the pill or hormone implant) is most reliable.
That should wind up this thread. Take care.
Dear Dr HHH,
Thank you for your answer on this.
I just have a couple of related questions:
1)From what I've read elsewhere (including on this site), it says that condoms are tested not to allow viruses through. If that is the case, then surely sperm shouldn't be able to get through which are obviously larger?
2)Probably a really silly question, but is there a way of telling how fertile a woman is at any given time? I know that there are obviously scientific stuff that can be done, but for average people, is there a way?
3)You mention that condoms on there own aren't 100% effective (at most times) against pregnancy. Is it right to ask to ask women if they are on the pill? (I'm aware this is probably a question for another forum.)
4)If you are looking to protect against HIV and pregnancy, and you will always try and be careful (e.g. always use condoms, not be drunk, so they're always put on correctly), what is the best method of contraception? This can be something combined; I also know abstinence exists!
Thank you again.
Thank you for your answer on this.
I just have a couple of related questions:
1)From what I've read elsewhere (including on this site), it says that condoms are tested not to allow viruses through. If that is the case, then surely sperm shouldn't be able to get through which are obviously larger?
2)Probably a really silly question, but is there a way of telling how fertile a woman is at any given time? I know that there are obviously scientific stuff that can be done, but for average people, is there a way?
3)You mention that condoms on there own aren't 100% effective (at most times) against pregnancy. Is it right to ask to ask women if they are on the pill? (I'm aware this is probably a question for another forum.)
4)If you are looking to protect against HIV and pregnancy, and you will always try and be careful (e.g. always use condoms, not be drunk, so they're always put on correctly), what is the best method of contraception? This can be something combined; I also know abstinence exists!
Thank you again.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
