What is my risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if I use condoms?

Condoms significantly reduce transmission risk for many fluid-borne STIs. Their protective effect is maximized when used correctly and every time. Nonetheless, they do not fully protect against infections transmitted via skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by the condom.

• High protection for fluid-borne infections (e.g., HIV Infection, Chlamydia infection, Gonorrhea).
• Limited protection for skin-to-skin transmitted infections (e.g., Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, Genital herpes).
• Incorrect use (breakage, slippage, improper storage) increases risk.

A condom alone does not eliminate all risk; combine protective measures where appropriate.

Some infections spread through direct skin contact and can be transmitted from areas not covered by a condom. In these cases condom protection may be incomplete.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and genital warts: a condom may not cover all affected skin.
• Genital herpes: lesions can occur on areas not protected by a condom.

If you have symptoms or concerns, seek professional evaluation and testing.

Steps that commonly help lower STI risk include regular testing, clear communication with partners and discussing vaccination and prevention with a clinician. This is informational guidance, not clinical diagnosis or treatment.

• Have regular sexual health screenings; frequency depends on individual risk—ask a clinician.
• Be open with partners about sexual history and testing.
• Learn correct condom use and use a condom for every sexual encounter.
• Ask a healthcare professional about vaccines that may be appropriate, such as HPV vaccination.

Decisions about vaccines or specific medical interventions require evaluation by a healthcare professional.

For sexual health assessment and potential infection evaluation, you can consult the following specialties. This is guidance about where to seek care, not diagnostic or treatment advice.

• Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology
• Dermatology and Venereal Diseases (sexual health/STD clinics)
• Family Medicine (initial assessment, screening and referrals)
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology (vaginal or cervical concerns)
• Urology (male genitourinary concerns)

If you have emergency or severe symptoms (severe pain, high fever, heavy bleeding, etc.), go to an emergency department.