BREAKAGE AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A POLYURETHANE CONDOM - A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED-STUDY

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.