Female condom and male condom failure among women at high risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to study the frequency and determinants of breakage and slippage during female and male condom use.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to determine condom breakage and slippage rate.


METHODS
We conducted a 6-month prospective follow-up study of women attending 2 sexually transmitted disease clinics. Breakage and slippage rates were computed. Logistic regression was used to evaluate baseline characteristics and time-dependent behaviors.


RESULTS
A total of 869 women used condoms in 20,148 acts of intercourse. Breakage was less common for female condoms (0.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.21) than for male condoms (3.1%; 95% CI, 2.80-3.42). Slippage was more common for female condoms (5.6%; 95% CI, 5.10-6.13) than for male condoms (1.1%; 95% CI, 0.90-1.28). Rates significantly decreased with use and increased with number of previous failures. From first use to >15 uses, combined failure rate fell from 20% to 1.2% for female condoms (P < 0.0001) and 9% to 2.3% for male condoms (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Both condoms may provide good protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Experience determines success with either condom.
Valappil
Thamban
T
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. valappilt@cder.fda.gov
Kelaghan
Joseph
J
Macaluso
Maurizio
M
Artz
Lynn
L
Austin
Harland
H
Fleenor
Michael E
ME
Robey
Lawrence
L
Hook
Edward W
EW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000407:Alabama / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019111:Single-Use Internal Condom / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004868:Equipment Failure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*