Let's talk about condoms & dams (and their failures)
Understanding the science of barrier protection, HPV and genital herpes
10/28/20253 min read
Four years ago, I was diagnosed with pre-cancerous cervical cells from HPV. I'd done everything I thought was ‘right’, used protection consistently, got regular screenings, and had the HPV vaccine.
That diagnosis sent me deep into the research. And what I learned changed how I think about sexual health protection entirely.
HPV: Understanding the Gap
Research shows that consistent condom and oral dams/barrier sheets reduces HPV transmission but only a small amount.
Why? HPV can be present on the vulva, perineum, scrotum, and other genital areas that remain exposed during protected sex.
A systematic review of longitudinal studies confirmed that while consistent condom/dam use offers some protection from HPV infections and associated cervical neoplasia, the protection is far from ideal.
Herpes: Similar Story
For HSV-2 (genital herpes), a large pooled analysis of over 5,000 people found that consistent condom use (100% of the time) reduced HSV-2 acquisition risk by approximately 30% - because viral shedding occurs across the areas that condoms/dams don't cover.
Condoms/dams are still essential for safer sex as they significantly reduce other STI risk.
barrier methods, like condoms/dams, are essential for safer sex but offer minimal protection against HPV and genital herpes
The Ingredient Factor
Here's where it gets more complex. Some condoms are lubricated with nonoxynol-9 (N-9), a spermicide marketed as adding ‘extra protection’.
But research shows nonoxynol-9 significantly alters the vaginal microbiome, leading to reduced Lactobacillus levels (the protective bacteria that are your first line of defense). Studies have shown that nonoxynol-9 is toxic to Lactobacillus acidophilus and that increased exposure shows a dose-dependent increase in the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
The WHO has confirmed that nonoxynol-9 does not protect against HIV infection and may even increase risk in women using these products frequently, as it can disrupt the vaginal epithelium.
The FDA now requires warnings on N-9 products about potential increased risk of HIV transmission.
Remember our blog post about the vaginal microbiome and HPV? When your protective Lactobacillus bacteria are disrupted, you're more vulnerable to HPV persistence and it's progression to cervical cancer lessions.
So certain barrier protection methods may inadvertently compromise the very defences that help your body clear viral infections.
Everyone's Needs Are Different
It's important to recognise that everyone's body, microbiome, and sexual health needs are unique. Some people may be more sensitive to certain ingredients or materials than others. What works perfectly for one person might not be ideal for another.
This is why having options, and understanding the science behind those options, matters so much.
What We Deserve
HPV is incredibly common. Most people clear it naturally. Vaccines help tremendously. Screening saves lives. Condoms/dams are crucial for STI protection.
But we can build on what we have.
We can:
Create products that support vaginal microbiome health
Combine barrier protection with biologically-active ingredients
Have honest conversations about transmission risks and protection gaps
Support research into multi-purpose prevention technologies
This is why vögeln exists
Our first product, vögeln: a f*cking gel for pleasure without compromise, is made for vaginal health.
We're developing a second product specifically designed to offer enhanced protection against viral STIs, HPV and Genital herpes (HSV-2), because we need better solutions.
Health and pleasure should never be mutually exclusive
Barrier methods (condoms/dams) are essential for safer sex
Use them.
Consistently.
Correctly.
But also know that research is advancing. We're learning more about how the vaginal microbiome influences viral clearance. We're discovering ingredients with antiviral properties. We're understanding how to formulate products that support, rather than disrupt, your body's defences.
The science is evolving. And we're vögeln evolving with it.
This blog post discusses published scientific research. It does not make health claims about any vögeln products.
vögeln is launching January 2026 - join the waitlist
References:
Manhart LE, Koutsky LA. (2002). Do condoms prevent genital HPV infection, external genital warts, or cervical neoplasia? Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Martin ET, et al. (2009). A pooled analysis of the effect of condoms in preventing HSV-2 acquisition. Archives of Internal Medicine.
Fichorova RN, et al. (2016). Effects of feminine hygiene products on the vaginal mucosal biome
Want to go deeper?
→ 6000 people made history with their vaginas
→ The vaginal microbiome & HPV
