How common is condom failure

Abstract

For most clinicians the concept of organ failure conjures up vivid images. The patient presents with specific symptoms; the physical examination yields clinical signs that lead to the performance of special investigations. Based on these a diagnosis is made and a plan of treatment implemented or the patient is referred for organ transplantation. We have been trained to combine the science of medicine with the art of clinical practice in our management of patients. Scientific inquiry is fundamental in the investigation of clinical problems and ideally should result in improved patient care. In case you are wondering about the title allow me to start from the beginning. A recent study reported on 164 women requesting termination of pregnancy. Only 21% of participants were using a method of contraception and the condom was the most popular (53%). What caught my attention was that of the 18 condom users 15 reported condom breakage. A quick search revealed another study done in a population of women requesting emergency contraception which found that 90% did so because of condom failure. Until then I had never heard of condom failure which is defined as breakage or slippage and may occur at various stages of sexual intercourse. (excerpt)