Condom breakage and slippage is estimated to occur 1-4% of the time.^1-4 This is known as method failure.

By far the most extensive research on condom effectiveness has been done for HIV. A number of authors have performed meta-analyses (summaries) of other studies. These meta-analyses show that with 100% consistent condom use, condoms reduce the risk of HIV transmission by about 85%.⁴ Condom effectiveness against transmission of bacterial diseases like gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis is significantly lower than for HIV.² Conclusive evidence is lacking for condom effectiveness against transmission of several other specific STIs, such as HPV and trichomoniasis, which each affect over 5 million people annually.² Finally effectiveness is seriously limited for the many STIs which are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, since condoms do not cover all the areas of the body which may be the source of transmission.

The major factor affecting "condom effectiveness" is not method failure, over which the user has no control, but user failure -- the incorrect and inconsistent use of condoms during sexual acts.

Reviewed by: Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH
Date: October 2008

References:
1. Steiner M. Dominik R, et al. Contraceptive Effectiveness of a polyurethane condom and a latex condom; a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol, 2003;101(3):539-547.
2. National Institutes of Health. Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention, Bethesda, MD, National Institutes of Health, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2001.
3. Freziers RG, Walsh TL, Nelson AL, Clark VA, Coulson AH. Evaluation of the efficacy of a polyurethane condom: results from a randomized, controlled, clinical trial. Fam Plann Perspect. 1999;31(2);81-87.
4. Macaluso M. Kelaghan J, Artz I, et al. Mechanical failure of the latex condom in a cohort of women at high STI risk. Sex Transm Dis. 1999;26(8):450-458.