Performance of the Reality polyurethane female condom and a synthetic latex prototype: a randomized crossover trial among South African women.
OBJECTIVE
This multisite, randomized, crossover trial comparing the performance of the Reality female condom (FC1) with a new synthetic latex prototype (FC2) was conducted in Durban, South Africa.


METHODS
In total, 276 women were enrolled and 201 women completed the study. Altogether, 1910 FC1 condoms and 1,881 FC2 condoms were used.


RESULTS
Total breakage was 0.73% in FC1 and 0.85% in FC2 (95% confidence interval, -0.64 to 0.87). The number of clinical breakages (those that could result in a pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection) was similar for each condom type (FC1, n=9; FC2, n=8). Incorrect penetration (penis between condom and vaginal wall) was 1.26% and 0.64% for FC1 and FC2, respectively. Outer ring displacements (outer ring pushed into the vagina partially or fully) were comparable for both condoms (FC1, 3.14%; FC2, 2.98%). Slippage (condom came out of the vagina) was rare and reported in 0.37% or less of devices used. Total clinical failure was 5.24% in FC1 and 4.3% in FC2.


CONCLUSIONS
The FC1 and FC2 performed comparably within this trial.
Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Mayville, 4091, South Africa. m.beksinska@rhru.co.za
Mags
M
Beksinska
Jenni
J
Smit
Zonke
Z
Mabude
Gowri
G
Vijayakumar
Carol
C
Joanis
D000328:Adult; D019111:Single-Use Internal Condom / Q000009:adverse effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004868:Equipment Failure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex; D011140:Polyurethanes; D013019:South Africa
D007840:Latex; D011140:Polyurethanes