Comparative evaluation of three Tactylon (TM) condoms and a latex condom during vaginal intercourse: Breakage and slippage

This study compared breakage find slippage rates of three male condom style s made of Tactylon(TM), a synthetic elastomer, to those of a marketed latex condom during vaginal intercourse. Safety and acceptability outcomes were also assessed. This two-center, prospective, crossover study enrolled 443 c ouples. Each couple was randomly assigned to use three condoms of each type in one of 24 use sequences. Couples completed questionnaires after using e ach condom, all of one condom type, and all four condom types. The percenta ge and standard error (SE, in parentheses) of latex condoms with clinical b reakage was 0.86% (0.295). Percentages for Tactylon condoms were not equiva lent to the latex study condom, ranging From 3.50% to 4.17%. The percentage and SE of latex condoms with complete slippage was 1.11% (0.328). Percenta ges for Tactylon condoms were equivalent to those for latex, ranging from 0 .70% to 1.31%. The Low-Modulus Tactylon condom was the most preferred. Fewe r medical events were reported with the Tactylon condoms than with the late x condom. It was concluded that Tactylon condoms were equivalent to the lat ex condom in terms of slippage but not breakage. However, safety and accept ability seemed to be better for Tactylon condoms. This may improve consiste ncy of use and may attract new users. CONTRACEPTION 2000;61:205-215 (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.