Male Condom Has No Influence on Male Physiological Sexual Arousal

Abstract

Background: Men are not using male condoms because of several reasons, which can result in a public health problem. One of these is connected to Condom-Associated Erectile Problems. Methods: This research aimed to assess the effect of a male condom made of a material other than latex on the arousal response of heterosexual men. A total of 82 young men (Mage = 23.17 years, SD = 3.04, range age = 18-30) participated in this experimental study. Two random groups (i.e., experimental and control, n = 41 each) were compared. The experimental group used condoms while controls did not. Fit and feel condom perceptions, initial erectile scores, age, substance use among other were controlled. Erection was measured while viewing a sexual video by means of penile plethysmography and subjective arousal. Findings: Results showed no significant difference in both, subjective and physiological sexual arousal. Interpretation: There is no evidence that condoms influence erectile response. More research is needed in this area to provide treatments and clinical interventions or sexual and reproductive education to mitigate the occurrence of sexual dysfunction, unplanned pregnancies, or sexually transmitted infections. Funding: Fundacion Universitaria Konrad Lorenz and the Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (Colciencias). Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Konrad Lorenz University Foundation.