 Condoms are widely recommended for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ) . They have been shown to be effective in reducing infection rates in both men and women , but not eliminating it . While not perfect , the condom is effective at reducing the transmission of organisms that cause AIDS , genital herpes , cervical cancer , genital warts , syphilis , <unk> , <unk> , and other diseases . Condoms are often recommended as an <unk> to more effective birth control methods ( such as <unk> ) in situations where STD protection is also desired . 
