[tdadams]

the virus is small enough to pass through the microscopic openings in the latex. I was told this back in 1984

This is an ages old rumor that has it's origins with the abstinence-is-the-only-answer fundamentalists. It was long ago proven to be utter nonsense.

[antiRepublicrat]

This is an ages old rumor that has it's origins with the abstinence-is-the-only-answer fundamentalists. It was long ago proven to be utter nonsense.

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.

I guess they're right in a real-world sense if the guy ejaculates 1/2 cup of semen and the girl keeps the condom in her for a couple hours afterwards.

[Eva]

It is not a rumor, the man who told me this was a top gov't epidemiologist, working with the doctors at either USC or UCLA, I can't remember which. He was telling me for my own protection.

[Eva]

I should add, that what was proven is that the virus is so fragile, that it had little chance of surviving long enough to pass through the micro-scopic openings in the latex, not that it was not possible.

[RobbyS]

No more nonsensical than the claim that the distribution of condoms will stop the spread of AIDS, even in the developed countries. Irresponsible behavior kills people.