CONDOM BREAKAGE AND SLIPPAGE AMONG MEN IN THE UNITED-STATES

Data on condom breakage and slippage from a nationally representative survey show that the average condom breakage rate experienced by 20-39 -year-old men who have used a condom in the preceding six months was 2 .7%, and that 1.9% of all condoms used during that time broke. Compara ble condom slippage rates are 2.7% and 2.0%, respectively. Condom brea kage and slippage appear to be 4-5 times higher among black men than a mong men of other races. Levels of breakage and slippage are also elev ated among low-income men and those who used condoms relatively infreq uently in the six months before the survey. The data also indicate tha t men who engage in high-risk sexual behavior, such as having multiple partners and engaging in anal intercourse, are more likely to experie nce condom breakage and slippage.