Opinion :: Guest Opinions
Condoms remain a vital tool in preventing the spread of HIV by Kenneth H. Mayer, M.D.
Contributing WriterMonday Sep 28, 2009 As someone who has cared for people living with HIV for almost 30 years, I have seen both the ravages of the epidemic and the successes of major improvements in HIV prevention and therapy.
But, despite these successes, it is estimated than more than 2.5 million people around the world will become infected with HIV in the coming year. Recent news from Thailand that a combination HIV vaccine modestly reduced the risk for HIV infection in humans is welcome and will provide needed clues in the search for a highly effective vaccine. However, until we create a biomedical intervention that is 100 percent effective at stopping HIV transmission, using condoms during anal or vaginal sex is still one of the most important tools we can use to stop HIV transmission.
This is especially true for gay and bisexual men, who continue to have the highest rates of new infections in the U.S. Despite the fact that gay and bisexual men make up a relatively small percentage of the population, they account for nearly half of the people living with HIV/AIDS in Boston, and nationwide. Infection rates are disproportionately elevated among Black gay and bisexual men and other men of color.
These infections are preventable. HIV screening tests are highly accurate, and treatment has become extremely effective, so knowing one’s HIV status, and that of one’s partners, is a first step in slowing the epidemic. Condoms, when used correctly and consistently during penetrative sex, are very effective at stopping HIV transmission. Condoms cannot provide 100 percent protection against all sexually transmitted HIV infections, but when used correctly and consistently, the chances of transmitting HIV and many other STDs become extremely small. They remain the most effective tool we have to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV. Sexually active people should also avail themselves of the two vaccines that do protect against sexually transmitted viruses, Hepatitis B and HPV (human papillomavirus).
Research into new interventions, like HIV vaccines, oral medications for HIV prevention (known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP), and topical gels (known as microbicides), continues around the world, including right here in Boston. Prevention research and discovery is a long term process, though, and we should be prepared for future successes and failures. After all, it took 47 years to develop the polio vaccine.
Until the day comes when we have a safe and effective vaccine or other intervention that stops HIV transmission in its tracks, we should all continue using condoms and practicing safer sex.
For more safer sex information and resources, visit www.fenwayhealth.org/safersex . Free condoms and lube are available at most gay bars and you can also pick them up at Fenway Health, the Multicultural AIDS Coalition, AIDS Action Committee, or a number of other area organizations. And if you are interested in learning more about HIV vaccine and other prevention research here in Boston, call The Fenway Institute’s research department at (617) 927-6450 or visit us online at www.fenwayhealth.org/hiv .
Kenneth M. Mayer, MD is Medical Research Director and Co-Chair of The Fenway Institute, www.thefenwayinstitute.org.
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