Breakage and Acceptability of a Polyurethane Condom: A Randomized, Controlled Study

Context: Although the first commercial polyurethane condom was approved for use several years ago, no U.S. clinical trial has compared its performance to that of the latex condom. Methods: In a masked crossover study, 360 couples were randomized to use three polyurethane condoms and three latex cond...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Family planning perspectives 1998-03, Vol.30 (2), p.73-78
Main Authors: Freziers, Ron G., Walsh, Terri L., Nelson, Anita L., Clark, Virginia A., Coulson, Anne H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Birth control
Chi-Square Distribution
Condoms
Condoms - standards
Condoms - statistics & numerical data
Confidence interval
Consumer Behavior
Cross-Over Studies
Equipment Failure - statistics & numerical data
Family planning
Female
Humans
Latex
Logistic Models
Lubricants
Male
Men
Odors
Penis
Polyurethanes
Population
Pregnancy
Risk Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States
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Summary:Context: Although the first commercial polyurethane condom was approved for use several years ago, no U.S. clinical trial has compared its performance to that of the latex condom. Methods: In a masked crossover study, 360 couples were randomized to use three polyurethane condoms and three latex condoms. After each use, couples recorded condom breaks, condom slips and other aspects of performance. At completion of the study, couples compared the sensitivity, ease of use, fit and lubrication of the two types of condoms. Results: The clinical breakage rate of the polyurethane condom was 7.2%, compared with 1.1% for the latex condom (relative risk of 6. 6, 95% confidence interval of 3.5-12. 3). The complete slippage rate (combining incidents during intercourse and withdrawal) of the polyurethane condom was 3.6%, compared with 0.6% for the latex condom (relative risk of 6.0, 95% confidence interval of 2.6-14.2). Most male users preferred the sensitivity provided by the polyurethane condom to that of the latex condom.Conclusions: The clinical breakage rate of the polyurethane condom is significantly higher than that of the latex condom. However, nearly half of the users preferred the polyurethane condom, which provides an option for couples who have rejected conventional condoms or who cannot use latex products.
ISSN:0014-7354
DOI:10.2307/2991663