Study of condom integrity after brief exposure to over-the-counter vaginal preparations.

BACKGROUND: Latex condoms are used as contraceptives and as preventives against sexually transmitted diseases. Latex rapidly and significantly deteriorates when exposed to pure mineral oil and vegetable oil. We wanted to determine if short exposures to readily available over-the-counter (OTC) intravaginal preparations could affect latex condom integrity. METHODS: We compared the mean burst time of test latex condoms, which had 5-minute exposure to various OTC vaginal products, with the mean burst time of control (unexposed) condoms during pressurized air inflation. RESULTS: Baby oil reduced the mean burst time from nearly a minute to just over 11 seconds. One intravaginal moisturizer and two intravaginal antifungal preparations also adversely affected latex condom integrity. Products that weakened latex condoms contained either mineral oil or vegetable oil. CONCLUSIONS: Women who rely on latex condoms should exercise caution if using OTC vaginal products containing either mineral oil or vegetable oil. Such products apparently can decrease condom strength and potentially jeopardize efficacy.