Lady Gaga joins the fight against HIV and AIDS

Singer and philanthropist Lady Gaga recently garnered publicity for her HIV/AIDS fundraising collaboration with Mac Cosmetics by appearing on Good Morning America (GMA) wearing a latex condom-inspired outfit, including a diaphragm-like hat.

Mac has become the largest corporate donor for HIV and AIDS related funds through the sales of its Viva Glam Lipsticks and Lipglasses, from which 100 percent of proceeds go to prevention for the diseases. Viva Glam sales have raised over $200 million to date.

The recording artist told the GMA audience that she wanted her outfit to "inspire safe sex."

Condoms can be used alone or with other forms of birth control to protect sexually active individuals against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, and against unwanted pregnancy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), laboratory studies have shown that latex condoms provide a nearly impermeable barrier to particles the size of STD pathogens.

The CDC's website explains that materials found in latex condoms protect users from gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and trichomoniasis by providing a barrier to the genital secretions that transmit STD-causing organisms.

To help prevent the spread of STDs between partners, sexually active individuals can be screened for STDs using online testing services.