Do condoms prevent me from getting an STI?

Both female and male condoms help to provide protect from sexually transmitted diseases. Altough most STI's are protected by the condom's latex material, certain illnesses can still be spread through skin to skin contact. Herpes, for example, can be easily spread if a person has herpes on a region that is not covered by the condom. Therefore, condoms when used correctly and consistently, can minimize (but not eliminate) the risk of STI transmission.