Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective
in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes
AIDS.
In addition, consistent and correct use of latex condoms reduces the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including diseases transmitted by genital secretions, and to a lesser degree, genital ulcer diseases. Condom use may reduce the risk for genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-associated diseases, e.g.