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New Research Shows Dangers of Condoms in HIV Prevention
SeaMax News ^ | 1/14/2004 | Fr. Michael Reilly

Posted on 01/20/2004 11:08:11 AM PST by Hugenot

New data based on the results of massive condom distribution in Africa indicates that condoms have done little if anything to slow the spread of AIDs, according to Austin Ruse of the Culture of Life Foundation.

In fact, they may even contribute to the spread of HIV because they give people a false sense of security.

"20 years into the pandemic there is no evidence that more condoms leads to less AIDS," stated Dr. Edward C. Green of Harvard’s' Center for Population and Development Studies.

Green continued to say that "we are not seeing what we expected: that higher levels of condom availability result in lower HIV prevalence."

At the Medical Institute for Sexual Health HIV/Pandemic in Washington, DC last week medical experts presented findings which indicate that the wisespread availability of condoms statistically increase promiscuity and therefore the risk of contracting HIV.

For example, Dr. Norman Hearst of the University of California reported statistics from several African nations (Kenya, Botswana) which show a correlation between increased condom sales and rising numbers of HIV infections each year.

How can this be? Hearst explained that we are "raising a generation of young people in Africa that believe that condoms will prevent HIV."

But can condoms really always guarantee safe sex? According to Hearst, "the most recent Met-analysis came up with 80%…but even if it is 90%, over time it’s the question of when, not if…you don't want to give people a false sense of security..."

That false sense of security evidently contributes to people engaging in sex with multiple partners.

Dr. Green said that that "having multiple sexual partners drives AIDS epidemics. If people did not have multiple sex partners, epidemics would not develop or, once developed, be sustained." He continued, "over a lifetime, it is the number of sexual partners [that matter]…condom levels are found to be non-determining of HIV infection levels."

According to Dr. Rand Stoneburner (formerly of the WHO and an independent advisor to USAID), "declines of HIV in Uganda are linked to behavior change…[and] include primary risk avoidance with a 65% decline in casual sex."

The Ugandan government, which promoted abstinence and faithfulness, helped bring about a 75% decline in HIV prevalence among 15-19 age group, 60% in the 20-24, and a 54% decline overall by 1998.

In other words, the solution to AIDs is behavior, not condoms.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Extended News; Foreign Affairs; Front Page News
KEYWORDS: africa; aids; catholiclist; condoms; education; grids; healthcare; hiv; homosexualagenda
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To: tdadams
"Failing" refers to leaks, breaks, and incorrect or inconsistent use.

How effective are condoms in preventing pregnancy?

For adults, the failure rate is about 14% per year of use. That means every year about 1 in 7 condom users experience an unplanned pregnancy. For persons under the age of 18, condoms were found to have a failure rate of 18% over one year. For unmarried minorities, the condom failure rate is 36% per year, and for unmarried Hispanics, the failure rate is as high as 45% annually. Spermicidal condoms have not been proven more effective than the non-spermicidal type.

University of Texas, Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
Press Release: June 7, 1993, Condoms Fail 31% of the time to prevent HIV
Contact: Susan Weller at 409-772-2618. published: June, 1993 in Social Science and Medicine, #36-120, analysis of data from 11 different studies

1995 American Journal of Epidemiology article, reported a Brazilian study of 204 heterosexual couples, each comprising of an HIV-positive man and an uninfected woman. Among couples who used condoms 100% of the time, 23% of the women were infected with HIV.

Fact Sheet on Condom Failure
1. "24 sets of condoms tested and all failed" and almost 71% failed "In respect of one or more of the physical requirements of the specification, notably freedom from pinholes." SABS report April 89.

2. "Spillage from condoms occurs as much as 65% to 75% of the time." Bjorklund and Gordon. Univ of Manitoba. Nov. 1990.

3. "The rubber comprising latex condom has intrinsic voids about 5 microns in size." The HIV virus is 0.1 micron. Roland, Rubber World. June 1993. Roland and Sobieski, Rubber Chemistry and Technology. Vol. 62, 1989.

4. Condoms reduce the risk of HIV infection by about 70% if they are used "consistently and correctly" IPPF (International Planned Parenthood Federation) Medical Bulletin Feb. 1997.

5. "It is not established whether the condom is as effective at preventing heterosexual transmission of HIV as it is for preventing conception." "The level of protection approximates 87%, with a range depending upon the incidence (of HIV) among condom nonusers. Thus the condom's efficacy at reducing heterosexual transmission may be comparable to or slightly lower than its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy." Family Planning Perspectives, 1999.

6. The failure rate for condoms in preventing pregnancy is 10%. K. Niswander. Manual of Obstetrics 1980.

7. The ISO standard for condoms allows 2 per 350 to be defective (about six defects per thousand.) (Tough luck if you happen to be one of those six)

8. "Increased condom use will increase the number of [HIV/AIDS] transmissions that result from condom failure" and "a vigorous condom promotion policy could increase rather than decrease unprotected sexual exposure if it has the unintended effect of encouraging a greater overall level of sexual activity." "Condoms and seat belts: the parallels and the lessons" The Lancet, 29 Jan 2000

9. In one test, 33% of latex condoms leaked HIV sized particles. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. vol.19. 1992

10. Ontario Ministry of Health campaign to promote condoms by means of televised AIDS messages made respondents more inclined to use condoms but less inclined to avoid casual sexual partners. Wilde, Target Risk, PDE Publications, 1994.

11. IPPF indicates that the risk of contracting AIDS during so-called "protected sex" approaches 100 percent as the number of episodes of sexual intercourse increases. Cates Medical Bulletin, IPPF 1997.

12. The only sure ways to avoid sexual transmission of diseases (including AIDS, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, and syphilis) are not to have sex at all or to limit sex to one uninfected partner who is also monogamous. Food and Drug Administrationc (USA) Consumer Magazine Sep 1990.

41 posted on 01/20/2004 4:24:06 PM PST by Polycarp IV (http://www.cathfam.org/)
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To: antiRepublicrat
For people with intelligence, the outrageous claim that condoms prevent AIDS is the saddest laughingstock of all. "People with intelligence" is obviously a subjective term in your current usage.
42 posted on 01/20/2004 4:37:11 PM PST by Polycarp IV (http://www.cathfam.org/)
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To: CAtholic Family Association
For people with intelligence, the outrageous claim that condoms prevent AIDS is the saddest laughingstock of all

Anyone claiming condoms 100% prevent AIDS is just as irresponsible as the abstinence crowd. The claim can be made that condoms do reduce the chances of contracting AIDS.

43 posted on 01/20/2004 6:28:33 PM PST by antiRepublicrat
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To: RobbyS
You think many 16-year old kids will bother to use them correctly?

No, I don't. I don't expect anyone to use them correctly.

44 posted on 01/20/2004 6:35:47 PM PST by ReagansShinyHair
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To: CAtholic Family Association
Well, thanks for that big block of data, but it seems even the statistics you provide yourself are in total disagreement.

Looking at your data, we can't be certain if the failure rate is 14%, 45%, 23%, 71%, 10%, 33%, or none of the above.

And I'd still like to know which study you were citing when you claimed it was 20%, because I didn't see that figure listed among the studies you posted.

45 posted on 01/21/2004 4:30:25 AM PST by tdadams
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To: antiRepublicrat
IIRC, in their "research" they filled condoms with a fluid containing millions of microscopic balls the size of the virus. They delcared that condoms won't stop transmission of the virus when they found that after several hours some of the capsules had permeated the latex.

This shows that it could possibly happen, not what the odds are that it would happen.

This is similar to using research results of developing an amino acid chain from electrifying a simulated "primordial soup" to say that the chains could have formed without direction. It doesn't say they did or would or what the odds are, just that it is possible.

Shalom.

46 posted on 01/21/2004 6:52:07 AM PST by ArGee (Scientific reasoning makes it easier to support gross immorality.)
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To: CAtholic Family Association
1995 American Journal of Epidemiology article, reported a Brazilian study of 204 heterosexual couples, each comprising of an HIV-positive man and an uninfected woman. Among couples who used condoms 100% of the time, 23% of the women were infected with HIV.

Just where, in Heaven's name, did they find the test sample?

Whenever someone tells you that condoms are effective at controlling the spread of AIDS, you can generally shut the conversation down by asking, "Oh, is your partner HIV positive?" Only a nutcase would knowingly risk exposure to the disease by just putting a little rubber balloon on his (or her partner's)penis.

Shalom.

47 posted on 01/21/2004 7:03:57 AM PST by ArGee (Scientific reasoning makes it easier to support gross immorality.)
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To: ArGee
This shows that it could possibly happen, not what the odds are that it would happen.

But they then spun the results to say that condoms don't work at all to conform with their agenda.

Abstinence is a good idea, but these people shame themselves with all of their lies and deceit. The fact that abstinence is the only way to prevent STDs should be able to speak for itself.

48 posted on 01/21/2004 7:06:41 AM PST by antiRepublicrat
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To: ArGee
I have to agree, why on earth would anyone with half a brain, tie his mortality to a statistical study of condoms with any percentage of risk. If it is one tenth of one percent risk, I wouldn't be testing it, but then who am I.
49 posted on 01/21/2004 7:37:30 AM PST by wita (truthspeaks@freerepublic.com)
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To: little jeremiah
New Research Shows Dangers of Condoms in HIV Prevention

Too bad. Doesn't fit into homosexual/pro-promiscuity agenda. Will be thrown out.

50 posted on 01/23/2004 3:27:10 PM PST by Terriergal ("arise...kill...eat." Acts 10:13)
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To: Terriergal

THE FDA SAYS ONLY 1% OF LATEX DEATHS ARE REPORTED


Delayed contact dermatitis from chemicals in rubber has been recognized since the 1930s.4 But except for rare early reports, clinicians did not appreciate systemic allergic reactions to latex proteins until 1979, when case reports began to appear in Europe. 5

Latex allergy erupted in the United States shortly after the Centers for Disease Control introduced universal precautions in 1987. By late 1992, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received 1133 reports of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis occurring to patients and health care staff associated with 30 classes of latex medical devices. There were 15 patient deaths associated with latex barium enema catheters.5,6

The FDA estimated that the reports represented only 1% of actual occurrences.6

Today, researchers hypothesize that the latex allergy outbreak is the result of multiple factors including deficiencies in manufacturing processes, increased latex exposure, hand care practices, immunological cross reactivity, and changes in latex agricultural practices.1,7,8, 45

Latex allergy affects between 8%-12% of workers in all health disciplines. Latex allergy also affects up to 51% of children with spina bifida, and approximately 1% of the general population.

http://www.nursingworld.org/readroom/position/workplac/wklatex.htm


51 posted on 05/14/2005 2:48:46 PM PDT by David Lane
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To: Terriergal

Are condoms a greater health risk than the std's they don't really protect against?

It is politically correct to advocate condoms but every day the evidence increases that they do little to protect and may pose a very serious health risk. It is hard for the CDC and FDA to examine these risks as they have been so vocal in promoting condoms but could their silence lead to dire consequences. I for one having done exaustive research strongly feel so.

"...... new concerns are arising regarding allergic or other toxic reactions to various components of latex condoms such as vulcanization accelerators, latex proteins, spermicides and finishing powders."

"* Studies are needed to evaluate the best lubricants to use in the manufacture of condoms. Evidence suggests that the right quantity, type and placement of lubricant is important for condom functionality, acceptability and safety.

In addition, the added value and risk presented by spermicidal lubricants and by dry finishing powders (e.g. talc or cornstarch) should be critically examined."

"Since the late 1980s the reported incidence
of allergy to natural rubber latex has increased dramatically, as much as 12 -fold."

"Latex allergy is incurable, although the symptoms, such as itching, soreness, painful blistering, runny noses, swollen eyes, asthma symptoms and anaphylaxis can be ameliorated.

Everyone who has contact wi th natural rubber latex is potentially at risk from sensitisation.

Both patients and health care workers can be at risk from allergic reactions to natural rubber latex. Over the past decade, allergic reactions to natural
rubber latex have become a major public health concern."

" Once a person has developed latex allergy, however mild, they are “sensitised” to latex and are at risk from severe allergic reactions."

"Delayed cell-mediated reactions are the most common form of hypersensitivity reaction to natural rubber latex. These reactions are to individual chemical residues from the production process such as accelerants used in the vulcanisation process which is required to strengthen the product.

The residual chemicals may bloo on the surface of the products and can be absorbed through the skin upon contact."

"Potent Carcinogen found in Most Condoms

Recent study has discovered the presence of a very potent carcinogen in most condoms. Small amounts of this chemical are released whenever condoms are used.

Nobody knows whether this is serious yet however it is not likely to be healthy to expose the reproductive organs to cancer-causing substances on a regular basis.

This is a potentially serious issue for much of the world's population that cannot afford or access other forms of birth control. I hope further studies will follow on this soon. Could this be related to the rise in cancer in women, and men as well? "

"Talc...(on condoms)...may result in fallopian tube fibrosis with resultant infertility. Question raised by Doctors Kasper and Chandler in Journal of the American Medical Association. (JAMA) 3/15/95
-from Nutrition Health Review, Summer 1995 n73p8(1)"

"A possible tie between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, long suspected because of talc's chemical similarity to asbestos, was strongly supported last week when a study found a higher risk of the cancer among women who used feminine deodorant sprays. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that women who used talcum powder in the genital area had an increased ovarian cancer risk of 60% and women who used feminine deodorant sprays had a 90% increased risk."

-from The University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 1993 v9n7p1

"Benzene. In addition to the effect on fertility, some researchers believe overexposure to chemicals may also contribute to testicular cancers. In fact, a 2000 study concluded that there was a link between sperm abnormalities and testicular cancer.
Among the study participants, men in couples with fertility problems were more likely to develop testicular cancer. In addition, low semen concentration, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology were all associated with increased risk for testicular cancer."

"a recent Lancet study (2002;360:971-977) found frequent use may in fact increase the risk of HIV transmission.
The head of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations, Don Baxter, said up to 10 percent of condoms sold in Australia include nonoxynol-9 as a lubricant. "Not a high percentage of condoms use nonoxynol-9, it's usually a particular brand, but they are fairly widely available," he said. Baxter advised all gay men to avoid using condoms with nonoxynol-9 and said AFAO would call for the product to be withdrawn from pharmacy shelves. "

"The allergens that cause reactions in individuals with spina bifida are particle bound proteins that are less able to be dissolved in water than some of the other latex proteins"

*  Talc - This is found in baby powders, face powders, body powders as well as some contraceptives such as condoms.  Talc is a known carcinogen and is a major cause of ovarian cancer when used in the genital area.  It can be harmful if inhaled as it can lodge in the lungs, causing respiratory disorders."




Condoms contain compounds known to cause cancer and serious birth defects in substantial quantities

SOURCES. Condom Industry web site, medical publications and Beacon Pharmaceuticals.


52 posted on 05/14/2005 2:49:31 PM PDT by David Lane
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