Why condoms break

Condom breakage is discussed based on research conducted by Family Health International. Breaks have been attributed to manufacturing defects, poor storage conditions, and most particularly incorrect use. The studies in the US and 8 other African, Latin American, and Asian countries showed that a relatively small number of couples was responsible for a large proportion of breakages. Quality control was assured in these studies for quality, transport, and storage conditions. The manufacturer of the silicone lubricated condoms was the same. Participants were all experienced users, and were given instructions on correct use. 1 condom/single act of intercourse was requested. Follow up interviews were conducted with those couples who broke >20 percent of the condoms tested. 4 factors accounted for breakages: 1) use of oil based lubricants, which has been shown to be harmful to latex; 2) intensity or extended duration of intercourse between 10-30 minutes; 3) reuse; and 4) putting on condoms incorrectly. Oil lubricants were used in several cases because of complaints of lack of lubrication as reported in Kenya. Availability of suitable lubricants was also a problem as reported in Mexico. Petroleum jelly and hair tonic, both oil based, were some of the products used incorrectly. It was suggested that this was a common practice. In the US, Sri Lanka, and Mexico there were reports of longer duration coitus. In Mexico and Jamaica, reuse of condoms was considered quite common, perhaps because of a misunderstanding that 1 period of use could mean several ejaculations. Men in Kenya and Mexico reported unrolling and stretching condoms and putting them on like a sock. Inspecting condoms for holes because of poor quality was also a common practice. 1 participant unrolled the condom only over the tip of the penis. Suggested improvements were better instructions such as: to specify a readily available non-oil-based lubricant, such as saliva, because of nonavailability of water-based lubricants in many countries. Where water-based lubricants are available, brands should be specified. Even in the US, 66 percent of respondents considered baby oil and 33 percent considered massage oil or petroleum jelly acceptable for use with latex condoms

Condom and virucide services planning and promotion in the Caribbean

In the Caribbean, condoms have been used to prevent spread of sexually transmitted diseases and for contraception for centuries. Further emphasis on condom use for prevention of HIV transmission was placed when Caribbean countries during 1988 to early 1989 developed national AIDS control programmes. It was, however, recognized that there was a need to develop a more comprehensive approach which would include various aspects of the programme such as logistics and distribution, quality assurance, management systems etc. Outlines of the condom and virucide services programmes developed by representatives of thirteen of CAREC member countries are also included in this report (AU)

Lay concepts affecting utilization of family planning services in Jamaica

Two hundred and sixty-eight women were interviewed and asked about their views on various types of contraceptives. During the interviews they were given an outline of a woman's body and asked to draw the female reproductive system. Worries about altered menstruation, irreversible sterility and other consequences of contraception contributed to underutilization of services. Recommendations for improved services and public education are made (AU)