The research is clear about the efficacy of condoms. Condoms are highly effective against the most dangerous of sexually transmitted infections—HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. They are also effective against unintended pregnancy as well as against gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. Condoms use is also associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer, an HPV-associated disease. It is vital that sexually active youth have access to condoms to protect their health and their lives.
However, the last eight years have seen ultra-conservative, far-right ideologues attacking condoms and their effectiveness, while at the same time making the outrageous claim that providing young people with information about condoms leads them to have sex.