Factors affecting men's liking of condoms they have used

The objective of this study was to assess the impact on men's liking for th e condoms they use of a range of factors including demographic variables an d variables that describe men's experience of using particular condoms. One hundred and ninety-four men used 3765 condoms for which they provided a li king rating. The condoms were manufactured to one of 2 published standards and the study employed a double-blind crossover design. Sixty-one per cent of condoms were rated favourably, 31% were rated neutrally and the remainde r (8%) unfavourably. Men rated condoms less favourably if they were experie nced as too loose, too tight, too short, if difficulty was experienced appl ying the condom if the condom slipped partially or completely down the peni s or if the condom broke. Men rated more highly condoms which were experien ced as well lubricated throughout use. Men with larger penises rated condom s less favourably and, of all the variables considered, ejaculating in the condom was the variable which had the largest positive impact. Men's liking for the condoms they use is influenced by a range of factors. However, giv en that most of the factors associated with men liking condoms less are tho se that can be addressed through better condom design and manufacture, the opportunity exists to enhance men's experience of condom use and hence help reduce resistance to the adoption of consistent condom use.