Condom Sizes Research Articles

Condom Carnival: feasibility of a novel group intervention for decreasing sexual risk

Young people who engage in unprotected sex are at risk of negative consequences. The current study explored pre-post assessment data from 124, mostly Black, young people (M age = 19.6, SD = 2.8) attending an educational and vocational training programme who participated in the Condom Carnival, a novel, brief, interactive, peer-led, culturally tailored, sexual risk reduction group intervention. Condom Carnival activities provided practice negotiating condom use and using condoms correctly, instruction on safe lubricant use, and opportunities to dispel myths regarding condom size and breakage. We examined the preliminary impact of the Condom Carnival in increasing participants’ condom-related self-efficacy, lubricant safety awareness, and condom-related behavioural intentions and behaviour likelihood. Despite previous exposure to prevention efforts, participants reported significant increases in lubricant safety awareness (p < 0.001) and intentions to carry a condom in the next year (Z = −2.05, p = 0.04). Although participants reported high condom-related self-efficacy and intentions to use a condom, only three-quarters of young people endorsed intentions to always carry a condom. Findings indicate the need to explore the gap between intentions to use and carry condoms and to develop effective strategies to increase condom carrying among young people. Further assessment of the Condom Carnival as an add-on intervention to enhance sexual risk reduction efforts among youth is warranted.

Understanding Problems with Condom Fit and Feel: An Important Opportunity for Improving Clinic-Based Safer Sex Programs

The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences and other demographic correlates of condom fit and feel problems among a diverse sample of adult condom users and to examine men's and women's perceptions and experiences with condom fit and feel problems. Participants were recruited from an electronic mailing list. The analytic sample (N = 949) included self-identified heterosexual men (n = 771) and women (n = 178) who reported using condoms for penile-vaginal or penile-anal intercourse in the past 3 months. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were applied. Of the sample, 38.3% reported experiencing at least one condom fit or feel problem. Problems with condom fit during sex did not differ significantly by gender (p = .73). Perceptions of specific condom use problems were organized into five themes: (1) decreased sensation, (2) lack of naturalness, (3) condom size complaints, (4) decreased pleasure, and (5) pain and discomfort. In this diverse sample, there was a high prevalence of condom fit and feel issues among women as well as men. These issues, mostly focused on loss of pleasure, represent a substantial public health problem and thus warrant attention in safer sex programs.

Online purchases of an expanded range of condom sizes in comparison to current dimensional requirements allowable by US national standards

Across studies, 35-50% of men describe condoms as fitting poorly. Rates of condom use may be inhibited in part due to the inaccessibility of appropriately sized condoms. As regulated medical devices, condom sizes conform to national standards such as those developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or international standards such as those developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). We describe the initial online sales experience of an expanded range of condom sizes and assess uptake in relation to the current required standard dimensions of condoms. Data regarding the initial 1000 sales of an expanded range of condom sizes in the United Kingdom were collected from late 2011 through to early 2012. Ninety-five condom sizes, comprising 14 lengths (83-238mm) and 12 widths (41-69mm), were available. For the first 1000 condom six-pack units that were sold, a total of 83 of the 95 unique sizes were purchased, including all 14 lengths and 12 widths, and both the smallest and largest condoms. Initial condom purchases were made by 572 individuals from 26 countries. Only 13.4% of consumer sales were in the ASTM's allowable range of sizes. These initial sales data suggest consumer interest in an expanded choice of condom sizes that fall outside the range currently allowable by national and international standards organisations.

If the condom doesn't fit, you must resize it

When used properly, condoms provide excellent protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies [ [1] Albert A.E. Warner D.L. Hatcher R.A. Trussell J. Bennett C. Condom use among female commercial sex workers in Nevada's legal brothels. Am J Public Health. 1995; 85: 1514-1520 Google Scholar ]. Non-use of condoms is the major risk factor for transmission of STIs, far overwhelming condom failure (slippage or breakage) or transmission of infectious agents through the latex barrier [ [2] Steiner M.J. Cates W.J.R. Warner L. The real problem with male condoms is nonuse. Sex Trans Dis. 1999; 26: 459-462 Google Scholar ]. To increase acceptance and usage, condoms are manufactured and marketed in a variety of shapes, textures, colors and flavors. However, there are significant limitations imposed upon the sizes of condoms made available, and several recent studies highlight public health problems with current condom sizes and the need to expand the range of sizes [ 3 Crosby R.A. Yarber W.L. Graham C.A. Sanders S.A. Does it fit okay? Problems with condom use as a function of self-reported poor fit. Sex Transm Infect. 2010; 86: 36-38 Google Scholar , 4 Reece M. Herbenick D. Dodge B. Penile dimensions and men���s perceptions of condom fit and feel. Sex Transm Infect. 2009; 85: 127-131 Google Scholar , 5 Reece M. Herbenick D. Sanders S.A. Monahan P. Temkit M. Yarber W.L. Breakage, slippage and acceptability outcomes of a condom fitted to penile dimensions. Sex Transm Infect. 2008; 84: 143-149 Google Scholar ].

Does penile size in younger men cause problems in condom use? a prospective measurement of penile dimensions in 111 young and 32 older men

Objectives. Young men often complain about problems with condom use, but very little information exists about the influence of men’s age on penile dimensions and therefore on possible problems in the use of the most important means of contraception in the young. Methods. We performed a prospective measurement of penile dimensions in 111 men,18 to 19 years old (group A), and in 32 men, 40 to 68 years old (group B). We measured penile length and width in the flaccid state and after visual and manual self-stimulation in group A and after intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E 1 in group B. Results. The mean flaccid length in group A (8.60 cm) and group B (9.22 cm) was significantly different. The mean erect length in group A (14.48 cm) and group B (14.18 cm) was not significantly different. The mean flaccid width at the base was significantly different between group A (3.08 cm) and group B (2.87cm), but the mean flaccid width at the glans was not (group A, 3.02 cm; group B, 3.01 cm). The mean erect width at the base (group A, 3.95 cm; group B, 3.50 cm) and the erect width of the glans (group A, 3.49 cm; group B, 3.32 cm) were significantly different. Conclusions. Our assumption that the problems young men experience with condom use may be because of smaller penises could not be proved. To address the problems in condom use in younger men, a larger variety of condom sizes and better information about condom use may be useful.

Does penis size influence condom slippage and breakage?

This study examined the effect of penis dimensions on the probability of complete condom slippage and condom breakage in actual use. Men were recruited through advertising, used the condoms supplied and completed a diary sheet for each condom used. A total of 3658 condoms were used by 184 men of which 1.34% broke and 2.05% slipped off. No significant effect was demonstrated for penile dimensions on the probability of complete condom slippage. However, condom breakage was strongly associated with penile circumference. These findings suggest that condom manufacturers may need to increase the range of condom sizes available, or some aspects of their performance, in order to ensure that condoms meet the needs of all men without unduly exposing them to risk.

Condoms: a wider range needed.

In England 281 men attending a genitourinary clinic in south London completed a questionnaire designed to allow researchers to better understand condom failure. This area has one of the highest incidences in the UK of HIV seropositive pregnant women. 25% (70) faced difficulties putting on condoms. 52 of these men (19% of all men) said the condoms were too tight. These men were more likely to have condoms slip off than those who did not find condoms to be too tight (73% vs. 52%). Some men frequently had condoms coming off (8% for Blacks 2% for Whites and 21% for Asians). Condom splitting occurred sometimes for 18% of Blacks and 7% of Whites but not for Asians. During the last year 56% of all men especially Black men (70% vs. 53% for Whites and 36% for Asians) had had intercourse with at least two partners. 22% of all men always used condoms. Black men were less likely to always use condoms than Whites and Asians (9% vs. 27% and 36% respectively). These results indicate that many men may have penises too large for condoms to be placed on with ease. These men tend to experience the condom slipping off or splitting. These difficulties may affect their acceptability of condoms. Condom failure linked to tightness reinforces negative images of condoms. WHOs guidelines show that more than 33% of penises are larger than the British Standard Institutes standard dimensions for condoms (a flat width of 52 [SD 2] mm). Thus the standard limits the production of an appropriate range of condom sizes. Further research is needed in condom design. The findings suggest that Blacks are at particular risk of HIV infection and that condom promotion efforts should target them.

The effectiveness of condom use in heterosexual prostitution in The Netherlands.

To assess the extent to which condoms are used effectively in commercial heterosexual intercourse. Data on the number of condoms that had broken or slipped off, the sexual technique during which this had occurred and the perceived cause of failure were collected. The use of non-water-soluble lubricants and non-fortified condoms during anal intercourse, and the demand for a greater variety of condom sizes were also examined. One hundred and twenty-seven female prostitutes and 91 male clients from different parts of The Netherlands were interviewed face-to-face between July 1990 and March 1991. Of those who used condoms during vaginal intercourse, 49% of the prostitutes had experienced condom breakage in the previous 6 months, and 16% of the clients in the previous 12 months. The breakage rate was 0.8% for prostitutes and 1.5% for clients. Condom quality was seldom reported as the cause; breakage was generally attributed to human factors, such as rough or prolonged intercourse, incorrect handling of the condom or the use of insufficient lubricant. Prostitutes also identified penis size as a cause. Condoms slipping off before or after ejaculation was reported less frequently than breakage. Thirteen per cent of clients and 36% of prostitutes expressed a need for either smaller or larger condoms. Of the prostitutes, 9% used oil or vaseline as a lubricant. In view of the low rate of condom failure in heterosexual prostitution in The Netherlands, the potential spread of HIV by this means is small. The use of a greater variety of condom sizes may further reduce the failure rate. Few prostitutes remain ignorant about the adverse effects of oil-based lubricants on condoms.