Rg. Frezieres et al., BREAKAGE AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A POLYURETHANE CONDOM - A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED-STUDY, Family planning perspectives, 30(2), 1998, pp. 73-78
Context: Although the first commercial polyurethane condom was approve
d for use several years ago no U.S. clinical trial has compared its pe
rformance to that of the latex condom. Methods: In a masked crossover
study 360 couples were randomized to use three polyurethane condoms an
d three latex condoms. After each use, couples recorded condom breaks,
condom slips and other aspects of performance. At completion of the s
tudy, couples compared the sensitivity, ease of use, fit and lubricati
on of the two types of condoms. Results: The clinical breakage rate of
the polyurethane condom was 7.2%, compared with 1.1% for the latex co
ndom (relative risk of 6.6, 95% confidence interval of 3.5-12.3). The
complete slippage rate (combining incidents during intercourse and wit
hdrawal) of the polyurethane condom was 3.6%, compared with 0.6% for t
he latex condom (relative risk of 6.0, 95% confidence interval of 2.6-
14.2). Most male users preferred the sensitivity provided by the polyu
rethane condom to that of the latex condom. Conclusions: The clinical
breakage rate of the polyurethane condom is significantly higher than
that of the latex condom. However, nearly half of the users preferred
the polyurethane condom, which provides an option for couples who have
rejected conventional condoms or who cannot use latex products.