The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention now says abstinence is the prime prevention strategy for the most common sexually transmitted disease in the country- human papilloma virus (HPV), a viral STD with no cure. Various forms of HPV virus are associated with almost every case of cervical cancer.
“The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, included HPV, is to refrain from genital contact,” the CDC said in a report to Congress in January.
About condom use, a prevention strategy advocated by some, the CDC said, “The available scientific evidence is not sufficient to recommend condoms as a primary prevention strategy.”
Gene Rudd, an obstetrician/gynecologist and associate executive director of the Christian Medical Association, praised the CDC’s declaration.
“The myth of 100 percent condom effectiveness has undoubtedly led many individuals to the dangerous and false conclusion that condom use will make them immune to a host of sexually transmitted diseases,” Rudd said. “After years of scientific studies, experts generally hold that condoms can offer at best an effectiveness rate of 85 to 95 percent.”
(BP)
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