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

Abstract 

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.

Keywords:  scanning electron microscopy, latex condoms, surface abnormalities

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