Are the pores in latex condoms large enough to allow passage of HIV? The HIV virus is about 0.1 microns in diameter — in comparison, the diameter of the head of a human sperm is about 3 microns. Another study, by Consumers Union, used a scanning electron microscope at x30,000 power so as to observe the HIV-sized particles. Latex rubber is not naturally porous, but microscopic holes can occur as a result of manufacturing defects or subsequent damage. This study was conducted using viralsize microspheres in a concentration up to 100 million times the concentration of HIV in semen.

Source: Daily Nation February 14, 2017 06:13 UTC