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Mineral oil lubricants cause rapid deterioration of latex condoms.

As little as sixty seconds' exposure of commercial latex condoms to mineral oil, a common component of hand lotions and other lubricants used during sexual intercourse, caused approximately 90% decrease in the strength of the condoms, as measured by their burst volumes in the standard ISO (International Standards Organization) Air Burst Test. Burst pressures were also reduced, although less dramatically. Lubricants such as Vaseline Intensive Care and Johnson's Baby Oil, each containing mineral oil, also affected condom integrity. Five min. exposure of condoms to glycerol, a frequent component of hand lotions and 'personal lubricants', did not significantly affect burst volume or pressure. Aqueous nonoxynol-9 spermicide did not affect either burst index. The implications of these results for contraception and protection from sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, are discussed.

Contraceptive Devices, Male↗

The effect of the intrauterine contraceptive device on endometrial secretory function: a possible mode of action.

The effect of the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) on the composition of endometrial secretion has been studied using the monoclonal antibody D9B1. The antibody binds to a polypeptide-associated oligosaccharide epitope that is secreted by endometrial epithelium in the secretory phase with a maximum around the time of implantation. In endometria affected by the IUD in situ, a significant reduction in epitope expression has been observed using immunohistochemistry. This defect can occur against a background of normal secretory differentiation and in the expectation of normal ovarian stimulus. The data provide new insight into the contraceptive mechanisms of action of the IUD.

Adult↗

Latex condom deterioration accelerated by environmental factors: I. Ozone.

Commercial non-lubricated latex condoms were unpackaged and exposed in an environmental chamber to ozone levels (0.3 ppm) commonly present in urban smog conditions. Deterioration was observed by scanning electron microscopy after 18 hours exposure. Loss of mechanical strength was quantitated by measurement of the air pressures necessary to burst the condom and volumes at burst. After 24 hours exposure to ozone the latex surface was covered with craters and after 48 hours the pressure required to burst the condom was 44% that of control samples. Data suggest the need for study of the effectiveness of lubrication and packaging in protecting condoms from environmental factors which may accelerate deterioration.

Contraceptive Devices, Male↗

The effects of a progestin-only oral contraceptive (levonorgestrel 0.03 mg) on breast-feeding.

This study was a non-randomized clinical trial which compared the breast-feeding experience of 250 Argentine women taking levonorgestrel 0.03 mg daily (begun one week after delivery) with that of 250 women using non-hormonal contraceptives. Weight gain of unsupplemented infants, the most important of the several criteria used to assess breast-feeding performance, was similar for the two contraceptive groups. Levonorgestrel users began supplementary feeding of their infants significantly later than did non-hormonal users; levonorgestrel users were also somewhat less likely to discontinue breast-feeding during the study period. The two contraceptive groups were similar with regard to several other measures of breast-feeding performance: growth of all infants (regardless of supplementation), patterns of contraceptive discontinuation, mothers' subjective impressions of breast-milk sufficiency, and comparison of supplementation initiation with previous experience.

Adult↗

Characteristics of condom use and associated problems: experience in Bangladesh.

Data from the 1983 Bangladesh Condom User Survey (BCUS) are analyzed for patterns of condom use and various problems directly influencing their effectiveness. The survey was undertaken to explain an apparent gap between reports of the number of condoms distributed in certain areas compared with prevalence of users as reported in contraceptive prevalence surveys. These data are analyzed from behavioral and management perspectives to identify various factors influencing utilization, with potential implications for understanding and improving family planning and AIDS/STD prevention service systems. Patterns of use are related to differences in source of supply through public, free or private-priced systems, differences in urban or semi-rural place of residence, and differences in perceptions of men or women. The problem with condom use most often identified by the respondents was breakage.

Adult↗

A study of the relationship between tensile testing of condoms and breakage in use.

The ability of the condom wall to maintain its integrity throughout sexual intercourse is critical to its role in halting the spread of major sexually transmissible pathogens including the human immunodeficiency virus. There are three principal in vitro performance tests applied to condoms: a test for freedom from holes, an inflation test, and tensile testing. In this study we subjected condoms that had broken in use to tensile tests in order to determine any correlation between their in vivo and in vitro performance. Condoms which had broken in use showed similar tensile properties to those which had not. All passed all tensile test criteria. Thus, the inclusion of tensile testing in National Standards for condoms is not sufficient to insure strong products.

Contraceptive Devices, Male↗

Study to determine the correlation between condom breakage in human use and laboratory test results.

The present study examined the value of laboratory tests in predicting condom breakage for 20 lots of latex condoms which differed in age, storage history and laboratory test performance. Two-hundred-sixty-two participating U.S. couples used a total of 4589 latex condoms (mean = 229 condoms per lot, range 224-235). Breakage rates ranged from 3.5 percent for a brand new condom lot to 18.6 percent for a lot that was 81 months old at the time of the study. The statistical predictor models, separately using ultimate elongation from the tensile test, the Condom Quality Index from the airburst volume test, and the percent of condoms failing the airburst volume test as the independent variables and the condom breakage rate as the dependent variable, all appear to have a high level of accuracy in predicting condom breakage in use. The three models had correlation coefficients (R2s) of 0.81, 0.74 and 0.69, respectively. Perhaps the most unexpected result was that the age of the condom lot was the best predictor of condom breakage during use (correlation coefficient (R2) = 0.92). Although the present investigation does not provide sufficient justification to use age as the only factor for decisions on condom lot disposition, it does provide some guidance.

Adult↗

Altered surface character of stretched condom latex.

A new type of imperfection in condom latex, present during moderate stretching, was observed by low magnification scanning electron microscopy. The normally smooth surface of relaxed natural latex was transformed into an accordion-like arrangement of ripples in addition to tears. A corollary experiment with Alcian blue dye placed into both stretched and unstretched condoms leaked no dye. These surface features are consistent with latex acting as a molecular barrier. The tears may represent areas of lowered mechanical resistance and raise questions concerning quality control.

Contraceptive Devices, Male↗

Condom performance during vaginal intercourse: comparison of Trojan-Enz and Tactylon condoms.

Forty-nine mutually monogamous couples used a total of 478 condoms during vaginal intercourse in a prospective trial whose purpose was to discover whether the performance of a new non-latex hypoallergenic condom was substantially equivalent to that of a leading condom brand already being marketed. Of these 478 condoms, seven (1.46%) either broke or fell off the penis during intercourse. Two (0.42%) of the 471 condoms that did not break or fall off during intercourse fell off the penis when it was being withdrawn from the vagina. Altogether, 469 (98.1%) of the 478 condoms used for intercourse survived intact throughout intercourse and withdrawal. Differences in breakage and slippage rates for the two condom brands were statistically insignificant. The overall 98.1% success rate is much higher than the rate of success found in a previous condom trial with nearly identical research protocol. The reason for the difference is attributed to much more precise questioning of subjects in the current trial.

Adult↗

Efficacy of thermoplastic elastomer and latex condoms as viral barriers.

The barrier efficacy of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and three brands of latex condoms was compared in a passive-leak test and in a dynamic model of simulated intercourse. Fifteen replicates of each of the condoms were challenged with bacteriophage T7 (100 nm) and the polio virus Type 1 (PV-1, 27 nm). In the passive test, no condom leaked either virus. In the dynamic model, no TPE condoms leaked either virus and no latex condoms leaked T7. Two samples of one commercially available latex condom leaked T7 but not PV-1. These data support that intact latex condoms are effective in vivo viral barriers and extend the finding to TPE condoms as well. Given its substantial equivalence to latex as a viral barrier, TPE condoms are an alternative choice for individuals with latex allergies. The TPE material is also more resistant to common environmental conditions that affect latex adversely and should therefore be a superior choice if condoms must be stored for extended periods in suboptimal conditions.

Bacteriophage T7↗

Condom breakage during commercial sex in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Used condoms in 30 female brothels in Chiang Mai, Thailand, during the period from August 1992 to October 1992 were examined for breakage. Data were also collected by interviewing 326 prostitutes who accounted for 65 percent of the total prostitutes providing condoms. The prostitutes had a mean age of 20.6 +/- 3.2 years. Sixty-one percent had no formal education. The median duration of prostitution was 13 months. The average number of clients per day in the past 24 hours and in the past 3 months was 4.4 +/- 2.5 and 5.5 +/- 2.2, respectively. Eighty-eight percent charged between $2 and less than $8 for their sexual service. All refused to practice oral or anal sex during the past 24 hours. Of 5,559 condoms, 298 were used two at a time and 15 were used three at a time. The breakage rate per act of intercourse was 5.9 percent (95% CI = 5.3, 6.5). The breakage per total condoms examined was 5.7 percent (95% CI = 5.1, 6.3). Breakage relating to manufacturing defect, i.e., pinholes, and that relating to use was 0.8 percent (95% CI = 0.6, 1.0) and 5.0 percent (95% CI = 4.4, 5.6), respectively. The probability of breakage when using two condoms at the same time was 3.4 percent (95% CI = 0.5, 6.3). Most of the breakage occurred at the distal part of the condom. There was no difference between the breakage rates of condoms provided by the brothels and those brought by the client; nor was there any difference between manufacturing defect or use. The breakage rate per client as estimated by prostitutes in the past 24 hours corroborated with that assessed by examination.

Adolescent↗

Breakage and slippage of condoms in family planning clients.

Information was obtained from 540 clients on the 3,754 occasions when condoms were used over a one-month period. One or more major problems, breakage, slippage, leakage or a combination of these, occurred in 410 (10.9%) events, involving 217 (40.2%) clients. Breakage occurred in 209 (5.6%) events and slippage in 243 (6.5%). Leakage was almost always associated with breakage or slippage. There was a small group of accident prone clients. Breakage was more common in younger and inexperienced clients and in those who had previously experienced breakage. There were some differences in breakage rates between brands of condoms. Poor fitting condoms and non-spermicidal condoms were associated with more breaks. Other contributing factors included vigorous sex, dryness and tearing with fingernails. Additional lubrication did not protect from breaks and saliva was associated with more breaks than expected. Oil-based lubricants were associated with less breaks than expected. On many occasions (66.0%), clients were aware of the break before ejaculation occurred. Slippage was more common in the inexperienced and in those who had previously experienced slippage. There was no association between brand of condom and slippage but poor fitting condoms were associated with more slips. The most common reason for slippage was the condom being left on too long. Additional lubrication did not affect slippage.

Adolescent↗

Observations of scanning electron microscopy detected abnormalities of non-lubricated latex condoms.

To describe surface abnormalities found by scanning electron microscopy of non-lubricated latex condoms, thirty samples of 15 condoms were photographed at low (26-94x), medium (240-940x) and high (> 1000x) magnification. Each sample was initially scanned at low magnification to determine the presence and location of surface abnormalities. Photographs taken at medium and high magnification were of the area most representative of the abnormality. Nine samples (30%) were completely normal at all magnifications. Of the total viewed at low power, 18 (60%) were normal, 11 (37%) revealed ridging and 1 (3%) revealed melting. Of the total viewed at medium power, 14 (47%) were normal, 3 (10%) showed cracking, 2 (7%) showed melting or a combination of ridging and cracking, and 11 (37%) showed ridging. At high power, 10 (34%) were normal, 11 (38%) revealed either melting or a combination of two defects, 5 (17%) showed ridging, and 3 (10%) revealed cracking. Fifteen (50%) of the samples revealed a surface abnormality (cracking or melting) other than ridging. The majority of condoms viewed under scanning electron microscopy revealed surface abnormalities. The implication of the detected abnormalities needs further evaluations. While ridging may represent a minor abnormality associated with condom handling, multiple abnormalities or melting may represent a more significant atypicality.

Condoms↗

Does additional lubrication reduce condom failure?

It has been suggested that using additional spermicide with condoms provides added contraceptive effect and protection from infection, and that water-based lubricants may lower condom breakage rates. This questionnaire-based study investigated the use of additional lubrication with condoms amongst 525 female students presenting for post-coital contraception, and the current and past experience of condom and additional lubrication use amongst 481 controls attending the same health centre. Of those requesting post-coital contraception, 83% claimed condom failure as the cause, with 66% of the control group having also experienced condom failure at some time. Use of additional water-based lubrication was significantly associated with lower condom failure rates (odds ratio 8.88, 95% C.I.: 3.79, 20.8). Gender, regularity of use of condoms and using oil-based lubricants were not associated with higher failure rates. Additional lubricant use was not significantly associated with increased condom slippage.

Condoms↗

The male polyurethane condom: a review of current knowledge.

Condoms are one of the oldest form of contraceptive and the best recognized form of protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Their use, however, is limited by both behavioral factors and device-related factors, including complaints about decreased sensitivity and sexual enjoyment. To address these limitations, a male condom made of polyurethane was developed. Polyurethane is a strong impermeable material with good heat transfer characteristics that is less susceptible to deterioration during storage than latex. Because little information is available comparing polyurethane and latex condoms in terms of consumer preferences as well as breakage and slippage, we reviewed four pre-marketing studies of polyurethane condoms, one of which included comparison to latex. No significant differences in slippage and breakage rates between latex and polyurethane condoms were reported in the study that included a latex comparator, and other studies of polyurethane condoms alone resulted in rates in the same range as published for latex condoms. Subjectively, consumers expressed significantly greater preference for the polyurethane condom over latex in regard to appearance, lack of smell, likelihood of slippage, comfort, sensitivity, natural look, natural feel, and overall. While additional testing is needed, these preliminary results suggest that the male polyurethane condom reviewed performed at least as well as latex condoms and is preferred by consumers. If preference translates to greater use, the male polyurethane condom may address important barriers that have been linked with inadequate condom use in the past. These results, however, may not be generalizable to other brands of polyurethane condom currently under development.

Condoms↗

Latex rubber condoms: predicting and extending shelf life.

Condoms from five manufacturers were subjected to controlled exposures of heat, humidity, and air and to different natural environments in five countries. Under aerobic conditions (condoms in permeable packages or unpackaged), stress properties declined. The relationship between rate of decline as a function of temperature was quadratic. Under oxygen-restricted conditions (foil-wrapped packages) at average storage temperatures of 30 degrees C and lower, strain properties declined with little or no significant change in stress properties. The effect is to cause condoms to become stiffer; high-breakage rates in use have been correlated with product stiffening. A new rationale for accelerated-aging tests to predict condom shelf stability is suggested, including a test to control the trend of condoms to stiffen. Silicone lubricant, impermeable packaging, and inclusion of antioxidants in the condom formulation can prevent or minimize aerobic breakdown of latex condoms. Specifying low-modulus condoms can prevent excessive stiffening.

Air↗

The psychosocial impact of HIV infection in men with haemophilia: controlled investigation and factors associated with psychiatric morbidity.

The aim of the investigation was to establish the prevalence of psychosocial problems in men with haemophilia and HIV infection, and to identify factors associated with psychological morbidity. A cross-sectional controlled study including 37 HIV seropositive and 36 HIV seronegative men with haemophilia under the care of the Oxford Haemophilia Centre were included in the investigation. The outcome measures included current psychological status (PSE, POMS, Beck Hopelessness Scale and Self-Esteem) and psychiatric history; coping and health beliefs (Self-Control Schedule, Hardiness Scale, Health Locus of Control Scale); social functioning (Modified Social Adjustment Scale); and sexual functioning. The results showed that seropositive individuals, whether symptomatic or not, had significantly worse total PSE scores and had higher levels of hopelessness. In addition, symptomatics had worse depression scores (POMS) than seronegatives. However, levels of psychiatric morbidity were generally low, even in the seropositive group. High levels of psychological morbidity were associated with high levels of hopelessness, unfavourable social adjustment, past psychiatric history and symptomatic HIV disease. Seropositives reported greater negative impact on their sex lives, and sexually active seropositives reported a significantly greater prevalence of sexual dysfunction than seronegatives. The majority of seropositives reported regular condom use during intercourse, and also continuing concerns about infecting their sexual partners in spite of it. In summary, it was found that men with haemophilia an HIV infection have higher levels of psychological distress and sexual problems than seronegatives. The skilled staff involved in their treatment are in a good position to identify their difficulties and ensure that good care is provided.

Adaptation, Psychological↗