Condoms are a form of contraception that can prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used correctly and consistently
. They are made of thin latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene and work by preventing sperm from coming into contact with a partner's genital area
. Condoms can provide different levels of protection for various STIs, depending on how the diseases are transmitted
. When used consistently and correctly, condoms are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and reduce the risk of other STDs
. However, condoms cannot provide absolute protection against any STD, and they do not protect against all STIs such as herpes, genital warts, syphilis, and mpox which can be spread from skin-to-skin contact
. The most reliable ways to avoid transmission of STDs are to abstain from sexual activity or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner
