Condom Breaks and Slips Occur More Often among Less Experienced Users

Abstract

837 New Zealand Family Planning Association clinic patients were recruited for a study of condom use. 74% returned questionnaires which elicited information about age sex years of condom use experience with condom breaks or slips in the past 3 months or unplanned pregnancy using a condom. 540 clients also filled in a 1-page questionnaire each time they used a condom during the next month (providing information on 3754 acts of intercourse). Problems occurred during 410 acts of intercourse (condoms broke 209 times slipped 243 times and did both 52 times). In 66% of the instances of breakage respondents were aware of the problem before ejaculation occurred. Although 40% of respondents had at least one problem during the study period 16 of the younger respondents experienced 34% of all breaks. Whereas experienced users reported breaks and slippage only 2% of the time less experienced users had these problems 7% of the time. Both problems were more likely to occur with oral and anal sex. Respondents who ventured opinions about what caused the breaks cited vigorous sex vaginal dryness and fingernails. Slips were reported to be caused by leaving the condom on too long by ill-fitting condoms putting the condom on incorrectly and insufficient lubrication. Among lubricants saliva was associated with breaks but oil-based lubricants caused few problems. Breaks and slippage occurred more often among those who experienced these problems in the 3 months prior to the study. Condom breaks (but not slips) were also associated with a history of unplanned pregnancy while using a condom. It was concluded that clients with condom problems should be identified so they can be helped and that inexperienced users be urged to practice in a nonsexual situation and use other methods while becoming proficient in condom use.