Rectal microbicide acceptability: results of a volume escalation trial.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to determine what volume of a microbicide placebo gel is acceptable when applied intrarectally before receptive anal intercourse (RAI); and to evaluate responses to properties of the gel, its application, and its use.


METHODS
HIV-uninfected men who reported unprotected RAI with serodiscordant or unknown-status partners were enrolled in a volume escalation trial.


RESULTS
Up to 35 mL of gel with the physical properties of Femglide (transparent and odorless) was acceptable to the majority of participants. Choice of different levels of viscosity may be needed. For some men, volumes judged acceptable when tried without intercourse were not acceptable when used during sex. Overall, participants reported high intentions to use microbicides when available. Condom use was inconsistent despite advice to use condoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Microbicides that would require up to 35 mL of volume to be effective would be acceptable to men who engage in high-risk RAI.
Carballo-Diéguez
Alex
A
HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, and Miriam Hospital/Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. ac72@columbia.edu
Exner
Theresa
T
Dolezal
Curtis
C
Pickard
Robert
R
Lin
Peter
P
Mayer
Kenneth H
KH
D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005782:Gels; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D047568:Unsafe Sex
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005782:Gels