Abstract
Background
Although public health programs invest heavily in the male latex condom, its efficacy
in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease has been based primarily
on in vitro and retrospective studies.
Methods
We combine the results from two randomized, controlled contraceptive efficacy trials
that used commercial latex condoms brands (Ramses Sensitol���, LifeStyles���, Trojan-Enz���)
in the control arms. Combining data from the two studies, we obtained longitudinal
data covering 3526 menstrual cycles contributed by approximately 800 couples who used
latex condoms exclusively for up to six menstrual cycles. Both trials also collected
3715 detailed breakage and slippage reports from the first five study condom uses.
The second trial also tested 243 postcoital vaginal samples collected after the first
study condom use for the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and spermatazoa.
Results
The combined clinical breakage rate for the first five condom uses was 0.4% for the
three latex brands and the combined clinical slippage rate was 1.1%. The combined
six-cycle typical-use pregnancy rate for the latex condoms was 7.0% (95% confidence
interval 5.0���9.0). The combined six-cycle consistent-use pregnancy rate was 1.0%
(95% confidence interval 0.0���2.1). PSA was detected in only 1.2% of postcoital vaginal
samples collected after the first use of an intact study condom. There were no differences
in performance or efficacy among the three latex brands tested.
Conclusions
The male latex condoms rarely broke or slipped off during intercourse and provided
high contraceptive efficacy, especially when used consistently. Risk of semen leakage
from intact condoms was very low.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
May 22,
2004
Received in revised form:
May 20,
2004
Received:
March 17,
2004
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
