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

The cape and Sir Henry Marshall

Much is known of men who have contributed little of permanence to the history of medicine, but comparatively little is known of men who have contributed much. Henry Marshall, who played a highly-significant part in military medicine, hygiene and sanitation, was one of the latter. (AU)