Condom Type Research Articles

Detectability of semen remained in a condom under various conditions

Some research has identified the prevalence and motivation of using condoms by assailants during sexual assault cases proving the necessity of analyzing condom trace evidence. The majority of the papers published have discussed forensic analysis of lubricants from condoms retrieved at sexual assault scenes but those discussing the identification of semen from condoms are rare. Therefore, the present study aims to provide insight into the detectability of the semen that remained in a condom, to examine the effect of exposure time, environmental conditions, and condom type, and ultimately to determine the capability of the AP test and Microscopic examination for identification of this sample type. In the study, samples were collected from three male donors after being instructed on the proper way of collecting the semen sample. The received samples from the donors were checked first by microscopic examination to observe the sperm to confirm that the sample being handled was semen. After confirmation, samples were transferred to 4 prepared condoms (brands: dkt xxx and Manforce) and kept in conditions i.e. two condoms in a refrigerator maintained from 2 to 10°C and other ones at ambient temperature (weather status: summer season of average 39°C). The samples were analyzed into two batches, the first analysis batch was conducted after the samples were exposed to the conditions within 11–60 days. After analysis from the first batch, the samples were continuously kept in the same condition for the consecutive second batch conducted when the samples reached 40–90 days. This study has determined that semen remaining in a condom can be detected and each test studied is appropriate according to the exposure stage, i.e., time and conditions of exposure. It has been found that nonmotile spermatozoa can be observed when semen remains in the condom for a few days. However, if the sample reaches approximately 25 days at room temperature above 25°C or 54 days below 10°C, the semen may dry out limiting the effectiveness of microscopic examination. Despite this, even semen that remained in a condom for up to 90 days can be identified by Acid Phosphatase. Results on condom type used reveal that condom constituents can crossreact with semen but none of them can limit the semen identification with Acid Phosphatase.

Epidemiological profile and genetic resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in women in a poor region of São Paulo, Brazil

Background and aimGonorrhea is a bacterial infection in the urogenital tract, transmitted by sexual or perinatal contact, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a gram-negative diplococcus. The present study evaluates the frequency of N. gonorrhoeae in women treated at Hospital Wladimir Arruda in poor area of São Paulo and also verifies the presence of genetic resistance against three antimicrobials of different classes: Tetracycline, Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin. MethodsThis is an observational and descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Samples were collected at Hospital Escola Wladimir Arruda. The volunteers are women from 16 to 65 years of age. Sociodemographic, gynecological, sexual and health data are collected through a questionnaire, their symptoms/clinical manifestation were requested by the medical records, and then the participant is referred for collection of samples of cervical vaginal smear. The samples were screened for N. gonorrhoeae (dcmH gene) and tested for resistance genes to Tetracycline, Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin through PCR. ResultsIn the total of 127 samples analyzed by Real-Time PCR, 23 were positive and correspond to a general prevalence of a gonococcal infection in the studied population of 17% (CI:95%), and the participants were married (43.4%), had active sexual life (56.5%) and did not use any type of condom during sexual intercourse (52.1%). The resistance to the tetM ribosomal gene was found in 14 samples, prevalence of 60% (CI= 95%). ConclusionsWe have described a concerning frequency of N. gonorrhoeae infection in females attended in an outcare patient. Also, most of the strains detected presented resistance to one or more antimicrobials.

Improving visualization of the cervix during pelvic exams: A simulation using a physical model of the speculum and human vagina as a steppingstone to reducing disparities in gynecological cancers.

Pelvic exams are frequently complicated by collapse of the lateral vaginal walls, obstructing the view of the cervix. To overcome this, physicians frequently repurpose a glove or a condom as a sheath placed over the speculum blades to retract the lateral vaginal walls. Despite their regular use in clinical practice, little research has been done comparing the relative efficacy of these methods. Better visualization of the cervix can benefit patients by decreasing examination-related discomfort, improving cancer screening accuracy, and preventing the need to move the examination to the operating room under general anesthesia. This study presents a physical model that simulates vaginal pressure being exerted around a speculum. Using it, we conduct controlled experiments comparing the efficacy of different condom types, glove materials, glove sizes, and techniques to place gloves on the speculum. The results show that the best sheath is the middle finger of nitrile-material gloves. They provide adequate lateral wall retraction without significantly restricting the opening of the speculum. In comparison, condoms provide a smaller amount of retraction due to loosely fitting the speculum. They may still be a reasonable option for a different speculum size. However, vinyl-material gloves are an impractical option for sheaths; they greatly restrict speculum opening, occasionally even breaking the speculum, which overcome its retraction benefits. Glove size, condom brand, and condom material (latex vs polyisoprene) had minimal impact. This study serves as a guide for clinicians as they use easily accessible tools to perform difficult pelvic exams. We recommend that physicians consider nitrile gloves as the preferred option for a sheath around a speculum. Additionally, this study demonstrates proof-of-concept of a physical model that quantitatively describes different materials on their ability to improve cervical access. This model can be used in future research with more speculum and material combinations, including with materials custom-designed for vaginal retraction.

Female condom color and scent preference in Durban, South Africa

ObjectivesTo assess preferences for female condom (FC) colors and scents. Study designWomen aged 18–40 years were randomized to one of three FCs (FC2, Cupid1, Cupid2) two of which offered a choice of color and scent (red/strawberry, purple/vanilla, natural/unscented). Women could choose any variety within condom types while participating in an FC contraceptive efficacy study in South Africa. ResultsOne hundred and thirty-three women were allocated to each FC type. Strawberry was the most popular variety for both FC2 and Cupid1 (60.9%, 78.3% respectively). Some women chose more than one variety but few chose the natural. ConclusionsData support a clear preference for colored and scented FCs. ImplicationsThese data can inform FC programme managers to predict demand for different varieties of FC and can adjust supply of FCs accordingly.

A qualitative exploration on accounts of condom-use negotiation with clients: challenges and predicaments related to sex work among street-based female sex workers in Ekurhuleni District, South Africa.

Introductionfemale sex workers (FSWs) are the key vulnerable populations since they carry the high burden of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, the vulnerability of street-based FSWs to HIV/STIs is much higher than that of the establishment-based FSWs. The study aimed to explore street-based FSWs’ condom negotiation skills, barriers to condom use as well as the challenges and predicaments they face on a daily basis.Methodsan exploratory qualitative approach using focus group discussions was conducted among FSWs working in a major provincial road in a district of Gauteng Province. Thematic content analysis using NVivo version 10 software was conducted.Resultsthe age range of the FSWs was 19 to 44 years. The themes that emerged from the data on challenges to negotiation and condom use among FSWs revealed the ways condoms are used in early sex work and over time, ways of enforcing condom used, preferred types of condoms and the predicaments to working in the sex trade. FSWs gained experience of negotiating condom use over time in their work. Both female and male condoms were available and accurate insertion of condoms was reported. Male condom was preferred. Condom use strategies included direct request; using health-information messages; charging more for condomless sex; and refusing condomless sex. The FSW reported the risks of violent attacks of unregulated street-based environment.Conclusioncondom negotiation strategies illustrated that peer-education and sharing experiences among themselves were beneficial for protective sexual behaviours. Peer-education benefits and peer-interactions yielded assertive attitudes and behaviours of demanding and/or enforcing condom use.

The use of an optimized DRIFTS-FTIR method for the forensic analysis and classification of silicone condom lubricants

Condom residues may be encountered in forensic investigations as traces left in sexual assault or rape cases. Considering casework samples analysis, where material from swabs will need to be extracted, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) was reported as the most relevant method for trace evidence analysis. However, there has been no study to identify which specific parameters were the most suitable for the analysis of silicone-based lubricants, especially in terms of repeatability of the analyses. This study looked at the resolution and number of scans with the aim of optimizing these parameters for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) analysis and detection. Experimental parameters were refined while performing a full factorial experimental design (FFD) for the screening and extended to a face centered central composite design (FCCD) for the optimisation. Repeatability of the results was also investigated using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) in order to select the most relevant analytical parameters. The optimized DRIFTS parameters were then used to collect data from reference material and from traces after a transfer in a vaginal matrix has occurred. Discrimination models were built with DRIFTS data and compared to pre-existing models built with Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR)-FTIR data. Condom traces were recovered from volunteers who had sexual intercourse using different types of silicone-lubricated condoms. The corresponding traces characteristics were investigated and analysed.

Evaluation of acceptability of the use of internal and external condoms in couples: a cross-over study

Objective: To evaluate the acceptability (comfort, ease of use, lubrication, and pleasure) of internal and external condom use in stable couples. Metodology: This randomized cross-over trial included 54 couples (108 adult individuals). Participants were asked to evaluate acceptability measures of both types of condoms using the Visual Analogue Scale. We developed a three-level hierarchical model [level 1= three repeated measures (wave, type of condom); level 2= individual (gender, age); level 3= couple (sequence of presentation of female versus external condom)]. Results: The "ease of use" dimension represented the biggest difference between the types of condoms for men (Hedges 'g = 0.96; p <0.0001) and women (Hedges' g = 1.62; p <0.0001). Regardless of gender, external condoms performed better (1.61; 95% HPD = 1.41 – 1.81). Men gave lower scores in general (-0.62; 95% HPD = -1.16 − -0.10). Conclusion: The external condom scored better than the internal condom for women and their male partners. The scores tended to improve with the repetitive use of the condom. There is no evidence of the influence of the age of the individuals or the randomly selected sequence of use of condoms with regards to the mean score of the four dimensions.

Levels of clinical condom failure for anal sex: A randomized cross-over trial

SummaryBackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) face a 28-fold higher risk of HIV acquisition than men who have sex with women (MSW). Condoms are the most accessible prevention method, with billions produced annually. Due to potentially high clinical failure, international regulatory agencies do not approve condoms for anal sex. This trial sought to provide data regarding approval of condoms for anal sex.MethodsWe conducted a blinded, crossover randomized trial among MSM and MSW in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Crossover conditions were standard condoms, thin condoms, and condoms fitted to each user's penile dimensions. The primary outcome was total clinical failure (slippage and/or breakage), assessed using an intention-to-treat analysis. A mixed methods model assessed differences in odds of failure. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02753842, and is completed.FindingsWe enrolled 252 MSM and 252 MSW between May 19, 2016 and May 2, 2017. Participants reported a total of 4884 anal or vaginal sex acts using study-provided condoms. For all crossover conditions, clinical failure was lower for anal sex (0•7%, 16/2351) than for vaginal sex (1•9%, 48/2533), (odds ratio 0•40, 95% confidence interval 0•21, 0•75, p < •001)00. There was no difference in odds of failure for anal sex acts between the different types of condoms. Due to study design, nearly all anal sex acts used condom-compatible lubricant (98•3%), yet only a minority of vaginal sex acts (41•6%) used lubricant. Sex acts for which lubricant was used had lower failure for both anal and vaginal sex, with no difference in odds of failure between them.InterpretationIn the largest trial of effectiveness of condoms for anal sex to date, we found remarkably low levels of failure. Condoms should be approved by regulatory agencies for anal sex. Clinicians may recommend condoms as a highly efficacious HIV and STD prevention tool for anal sex. Differences between failure for anal and vaginal sex were likely due to differential use of lubricant. Condom promotion programs should consider providing additional lubricant for all condoms distributed.

Analysis Use Of Condom In Jondul Pekanbaru City 2018

Sexually transmitted diseases are one of the reproductive tract infections (ISR) whose main mode of transmission is through sexual intercourse. The number of STD cases in Riau Province has increased during 2013-2017. Condoms act as protective devices for PMS. The purpose of this study is to analyze condom use in the area of ​​Jondul City Pekanbaru. This study used a qualitative method that was carried out in August-September 2018. Data analysis carried out was prior analysis in the field, analysis during the field and analysis after in the field. The informants in this study were 9 people taken from the principle of adequacy. From the results of this study obtained that the CSWs already know about condoms and the benefits of using condoms, however, they rarely know the terms STIs or STDs. CSWs do not agree to contact if customers do not want to use condoms. The motivation for using condoms is for fear of contracting the disease. Condoms have been provided by the local health center and distributed to brothel owners at the Jondul location and then distributed to the prostitutes. However, the CSWs do not use condoms that have been given and prefer to use condoms that they buy themselves at the pharmacy. The type of condom used in the Jondul location is a male condom. It is suggested to health workers to prioritize health promotion efforts on the use of condoms to sex workers to reduce PMS numbers.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords : Behavior, Knowledge, Attitude, Negosiation, Motivation, Availibility of Condom, Type of Condom

Functional performance study of an adapted design of the woman’s condom: a crossover, noninferiority, randomized clinical trial

Objectives: We aimed to assess the functional performance and safety of a modified Woman’s Condom (WC2) against the existing FC2 female condom. Study design: This randomized clinical trial enrolled 287 women in one South African site. The primary outcome of the study was the rate of female condom failure. Participants were asked to use five of each female condom type and to collect information on use in a condom log at home and were interviewed after use of each FC type. Results: Noninferiority was demonstrated for the WC2 with respect to the reference condom FC2 for all condom functions. The WC2 was found to be superior to the FC2 reference condom for clinical failure (p = .000), total female condom failure (p = .001), misdirection (p = .000) and slippage (p = .004). Conclusion: The WC2 female condom performs as well as the FC2 female condom and offers good stability during use. Implications: Results from this study will inform further refinement of this female condom design, resulting in a new and potentially less expensive Woman’s Condom.

Double-Blind, Single-Center, Randomized Three-Way Crossover Trial of Fitted, Thin, and Standard Condoms for Vaginal and Anal Sex: C-PLEASURE Study Protocol and Baseline Data.

BackgroundMale condoms are underused despite their ability to prevent transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The perception of decreased sexual pleasure and poor condom fit are major contributors to condom nonuse.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare event-level performance and pleasure using fitted, thin, and standard condoms among men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with women (MSW). We also sought to assess condom type preference. We present the study design and enrollment data from the trial.MethodsThis study recruited sexually active men aged 18 to 54 years in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. We enrolled 252 MSM and 252 MSW in a double-blind, 3-way randomized crossover trial with conditions of fitted, thin, and standard condoms. A permuted block randomization scheme was used to assign each participant to the sequence in which they received each type of study condom. After a baseline screening and enrollment visit, randomized participants were followed for at least 6 and up to 12 weeks depending on their use of study condoms in each 2-week period between scheduled, in-person study visits. Participants were instructed to complete mobile-optimized coital logs as soon as possible after using condoms for anal or vaginal sex acts. The logs collected event-level pleasure and performance measures for the study condoms as well as other relevant data. A questionnaire was administered at the final study visit to assess overall study condom preference.ResultsThe study enrolled 252 MSM and 252 MSW, a total of 504 participants. MSM and MSW study arms were similar for a number of key traits including race and ethnicity, marital status, self-rated condom experience, and recent experience of condom failure. Men in the MSM arm were older, however, and fewer MSM were students. The majority of participants in both arms rated themselves as very experienced with using condoms, and the majority had used condoms recently. Over one-third of participants in each arm reported experiencing condom failure in the last 6 months.ConclusionsThis is the first condom trial to compare the performance of standard, thin, and fitted condoms and to use pleasure and preference as primary outcomes. Given the disparate impact of HIV on MSM, equal enrollment of MSM and MSW was a key feature of this study. Trial results may inform an FDA label indication for anal sex and provide new information regarding the relative performance of different types of condoms.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02753842; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02753842 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/76RLTFyf0)International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/12205

Pilot study on functional performance and acceptability of two new synthetic adhesive male condoms (Wondaleaf): a randomized cross-over trial

ObjectivesThis study compared the condom failure rate, safety and acceptability of two new synthetic adhesive male condoms, Wondaleaf-Cap® (WLC) and Wondaleaf-On-Man® (WLM), with a marketed latex external condom Durex®-Together (DT). Study designWe enrolled healthy married, monogamous, heterosexual condom users in a randomized controlled, cross-over, pilot trial in Malaysia. We randomized participants to six groups with different condom use-orders of the experimental WLC and WLM and control latex condom for four episodes for vaginal sex over 1 month for each condom type. We summarized the clinical and non-clinical failure rate, safety and acceptability of each condom type using descriptive statistics. We tested differences in condom failure and acceptability using generalized estimating equations and repeated measure ANOVA respectively. ResultsWe screened 75 couples and randomized 50 eligible couples. Two couples withdrew before receiving any condom. The remaining used 576 condoms with 192 uses for each condom variant. Clinical failure rates of WLC, WLM and DT were 1.04%, 0% and 0.52%, respectively. Non-clinical failure rates of WLC, WLM and DT were 2.08%, 3.12% and 1.04%, respectively. Removal was found more painful with Wondaleaf products than the DT. Preferences of participants for WLC, WLM and DT were 33.3%, 29.2% and 25%, respectively. Overall, WLC and DT had greater acceptances among male participants than WLM. ConclusionResults of this pilot study support that use of synthetic adhesive male condoms is associated with failure rates similar to those seen with existing latex, and with greater acceptability. A larger study to ascertain non-inferiority is underway. ImplicationsThe availability of synthetic adhesive male condoms may increase the acceptability of condom use. However, removal pain and clinical performance requires further study.

A chemometric strategy for forensic analysis of condom residues: Identification and marker profiling of condom brands from direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometric chemical signatures

The rapid and accurate identification of condom-derived lubricant traces takes on heightened importance in sexual assault cases where the assailant has used a condom in order to avoid leaving behind incriminating DNA evidence. Previous reports have demonstrated that a variety of techniques can be used to confirm that a given residue is condom-derived, based on the detection of spermicides, slip agents and/or other common additives. However, limited success has been achieved in differentiating brands from among a broad range of condom types. In this study, the utility of direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS) combined with chemometrics, for the rapid and accurate attribution of brands to condom residues of various types, was explored and developed. A database of condom residue spectra comprised of 110 different condom types representing 16 brands was generated, with the spectra serving as representative fingerprints for each brand. The spectral fingerprints were subjected to pre-processing prior to the application of Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) which was used to generate a classifier that permitted identification of condom brands with an accuracy of 97.4%. An additional criterion was imposed on the PLS-DA to provide the confidence level and credibility of each prediction. The effect of time since deposition, the presence of contaminants and the influence of residue transfer on the prediction accuracy of the model were also assessed.The results from Sparse Discriminant Analysis (SDA) and PLS-DA were followed by application of the Student's t-test to determine m/z values representative of small-molecule markers that were most important for defining brand classes. The m/z values revealed by the two methods were found to be consistent in indicating which masses were representative of markers. The SDA method also provided low-dimensional views of the discriminative directions for classification of condom residues, thereby enabling easy visualization of the relationship between the indicated m/z values and brand discrimination. The results further revealed a subset of 14 m/z values that were observed in all 110 condoms representing the 16 brands, and some of these may serve as potential universal small-molecule condom markers. Overall, the results show that the DART-HRMS database of condom residue spectra can be used to identify residues based on differences in chemical components peculiar to each brand. The database can be readily expanded to include more condoms.

“Give What the People Want”: A Situational Analysis of Condom Distribution and a Feasibility Study of User-Friendly Condoms in Cape Town, South Africa

Condom use has remained low in South Africa despite efforts by the government to make condoms accessible to all. We assessed condom availability, procurement/distribution, and education practices, and explored perceptions of and interest in an expanded array of condom options, including fitted male condoms in Cape Town, South Africa. We conducted 11 key informant interviews with staff members from two sexual health organizations and four state-owned clinics. Key informants (a) were interested in their organizations offering an expanded variety of male condom options including different sizes, colors, and flavors; and (b) substantiated the capacity that their organizations had to integrate alternative condom options into existing procurement, distribution, and education programs. Challenges discussed included securing funding, educating clients, and addressing logistical issues of stocking and distributing new condom types. Further research should explore whether providing condoms with a greater array of characteristics could improve condom use in South Africa.

Prevalence of High-Risk Human papillomavirus Genotypes and Predictors factors for Cervical Cancer in Unimmunized Brazilian Women without Cytological Abnormalities

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease based on its oncogenic activity as high-risk (hr) types, low-risk types (lr) and types of undetermined-risk depending upon the associated diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HPV infection prevalence and to identify the risk factors as demographic, behavioral and biological variables related to cervical cancer in unimmunized and sexually active women patients attended at public health institutions. A cross-sectional study conducted from 2014 to 2016 was performed at Rio de Janeiro city. All women were randomly selected and submitted to clinical and sociodemographic investigation. About 100 cervical cell scrapings were collected with a cervical cytobrush during the gynecological examination. After nucleic acid amplification directed to a conserved region of the HPV L1 gene, high-risk type specific primers (HPV16/18/31/45) were performed for genotyping. Statistical analysis was applied to analyze the risk factors associated with HPV infection in 18 sociodemographics variables obtained from informative questionnaires. This study demonstrated by the Chi-square test that of the 100 participants, 20% (95% CI: 12-28) were DNA HPV positive. HPV 18 and 45 were the most frequently detected HPV types. Most women were currently not married (56%) and married or cohabitating (44%) (p<0.05). Psychosocial and psychosexual issues demonstrated that six percent of the women exhibit history of sexually transmitted diseases, except HIV, with 85% of women having sex with until to five partners (p<0.03) and 15% used oral contraceptives, while 71% did not use any type of condom (p<0.03). A previous history of STD was not significantly related. Cytological status was without alterations in the population investigated. This paper contributed to a better understanding about the natural history of HPV from of the pre-immunization prevalence study of the active sexually and clinical free lesions women in Brazil.

Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of the Homework Intervention Strategy (eHIS) Program to Enhance Male Condom Use: Research Protocol.

BackgroundAlthough condoms are effective in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy, they are still often not used consistently and correctly. Negative impact on sensation and pleasure, ruining the mood, causing problems with maintaining erection, and condom slippage or breakage are some of the reasons given by men explaining why they do not want to use condoms. Although many interventions promoting condom use exist, some of them delivered online are complex and time- and resource-intensive. The Homework Intervention Strategy (eHIS) program, adapted from the existing face-to-face Kinsey Institute Homework Intervention Strategy (KIHIS) program, aims to address these issues by encouraging men to focus on sensation and pleasure when trying different types of condoms and lubricants in a low-pressure situation (on their own, without a partner present).ObjectiveThe objectives of this study are to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and users’ engagement with the eHIS program, its preliminary effectiveness in increasing condom use frequency and consistency, as well as the feasibility of the program's evaluation approach, including choice of measures and participant recruitment and retaining strategies (primary outcomes). Secondary outcomes include condom use experience, condom use attitudes, condom use self-efficacy, condom use errors and problems, and condom fit-and-feel. All of these will be analyzed in the context of participants’ demographics, sexual history, and previous condom use.MethodsThe study has a pre-post-test, within-subjects design. Men aged 18 to 69 and living in the United Kingdom are recruited through posters, leaflets, social media, and emails. Study participants are asked to complete T1 (baseline) measures before entering the eHIS website. After completing the T1 measures, they can order a free condoms and lubricants kit and have access to the eHIS website for 4 weeks. During that time they are asked to practice using different types of condoms and lubricants on their own in a no-pressure situation. Following T1, participants are asked to complete the T2 and T3 measures at 4 and 10 weeks, respectively.ResultsData collection for the study is completed. Data analysis is in progress and is expected to be completed by February 2018.ConclusionsThis brief, home-based, self-guided program may lead to increased consistent and correct condom use. Online delivery can make the program an easily accessible and low-cost health promotion intervention, which has the potential to reach a wide and diverse audience. If results of the current study show the program’s feasibility and preliminary effectiveness in changing condom use related outcomes, a larger scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted.Trial RegistrationResearch Registry: researchregistry2325; http://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry.html# home/registrationdetails/58da6cad1d7ab0314337d076/ (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6vXs6S9XW)

Nanotechnology and the future of condoms in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Objective:The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is among the utmost destructive viruses humankind has ever faced in almost four decades. It carries with it profound socioeconomic and public health implications. Unfortunately, there is, currently, no effective cure for HIV infections. This review discusses the various types of condoms, microbicides, and the potential use of nanoparticle-coated condoms as a means of diminishing the risk of HIV transmission and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sexual intercourse.Methods:We identified 153 articles from 1989 to 2015 indexed in various journal platforms, reports, and magazines. Using the PRISMA guidelines as proxy in performing the research review process, only 53 articles were selected. Ideally, articles that failed to describe the nature and types of condoms, condom failures, nanoparticle-coated condoms, microbicides, and HIV prevention were excluded.Results and Discussion:In general, it has been shown that antiretroviral therapy (ART) currently available can only limit transmission and acquisition of HIV strains. Apart from ART treatment, the use of condoms has been identified globally as a cost-effective intervention for reducing the spread of HIV and other STIs. However, while condoms are supposed to be effective, reliable, and easy to use, research has shown that they are attributable to 20% failures including breakages. Nevertheless, other studies have shown that coating condoms with nanoparticles is an important and effective method for reducing condom breakage and HIV/STI transmission during sexual intercourse.Conclusions:A review of literature cited in this paper has shown that nanotechnology-based condom systems have the potential to prevent the spread of HIV and STIs. Furthermore, the antimicrobial nature of some nanoparticles could provide a safe and efficient way to disrupt and/or inactivate different STIs – including viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases.

Women's willingness to experiment with condoms and lubricants: A study of women residing in a high HIV seroprevalence area.

The objective of this study was to investigate women's willingness to experiment with new condoms and lubricants, in order to inform condom promotion in a city with high rates of poverty and HIV. One hundred and seventy-three women (85.9% Black) sexually transmitted infection clinic attendees in Jackson, Mississippi, United States completed a questionnaire assessing willingness to experiment with condoms and lubricants and sexual pleasure and lubrication in relation to last condom use. Most women were willing to: (1) experiment with new types of condoms and lubricants to increase their sexual pleasure, (2) touch/handle these products in the absence of a partner, and (3) suggest experimenting with new condoms and lubricants to a sex partner. Previous positive sexual experiences with lubricant during condom use predicted willingness. The role women may play in male condom use should not be underestimated. Clinicians may benefit women by encouraging them to try new types of condoms and lubricants to find products consistent with sexual pleasure.

Feasibility study of the Kinsey Institute Homework Intervention (KIHIS-UK) to promote correct and consistent condom use, RCUK

What is the problem? Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England have increased by around 50% over the last 10 years, with about half a million new cases occurring every year. The health, social, and economic costs of STIs are huge. Untreated chlamydia, for example, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The current estimated cost of treatment to the NHS is £620 million per year. The Department of Health has identified the need to reduce STI rates as a priority for improving sexual health and have recognised young heterosexuals as target 'at-risk' groups. Why do we need to do something? Although condoms can be protective against STIs when used correctly and consistently, there are many barriers to their use such as negative attitudes, reduced sexual pleasure, fit-and-feel problems, and erection difficulties. The effectiveness of condoms is also reduced by incomplete use of condoms (i.e. not using condoms from start to the finish of sex), which is more commonly reported by men who experience problems whilst using condoms. Many health promotion interventions try to improve knowledge and skills to increase use; results, however, have been mixed. Although there is some evidence that these interventions can be effective, in practice health promotion staff may not have the time or the money to use these. There is therefore an urgent need to develop quick but effective interventions to improve use experiences, increase consistent and correct use, and reduce sexual risk among young people. What are we going to do? We want to adapt a promotion programme which has been developed and tested in the US for use among young men in the UK. The US programme gives out condom kits (containing different condoms and lubricants) asks men to try out the condoms at home by themselves by completing various homework exercises. As they test each they are asked to think about their own pleasure and which condoms they lke best. Men then score/rate the condoms they use. The aim of the programme is for men to improve their skills by 1) finding the right/best types of condoms and lubricants, 2) testing techniques of applying them, and 3) by practicing with them in no pressure situations (on their own). In this study we want to see if the idea can be adapted for use with men in the UK to improve their skills in applying condoms and their pleasure in using them. To do this we will be speaking to young men and health promotion professionals to find out their views and help us modify and develop the components of the new programme. We will then invite young people's information and advice services in community and educational establishments in Hampshire and the West Midlands to take part and help recruit 50 young men aged 16-25 to test out the programme. What we will measure: We want to know if young men like the different elements of the programme and if it is possible to run our study in the different settings. We are also testing whether it is possible to do a larger trial to see if the programme can change men's views and use of condoms, and to estimate the costs, time, resources, sample sizes, outcome measures etc. needed to carry this out. At the end of the programme we will ask participants for their views about the study and what we asked them to do. This work will increase the likelihood of developing an effective promotion intervention, and to assess whether a larger trial is justified and appropriate.

Acceptability of Phoenurse female condom and second-generation Femidom female condom in Chinese women.

To compare the acceptability of Phoenurse female condom (PFC) and second-generation Femidom female condom (FC2) among Chinese women. A randomized, cross-over clinical trial was carried out in women aged 20-49 years seeking family service in Qingdao, China, between April and October 2013. Women were classified into two groups using a computer-generated randomized sequence. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline and after using 10 of each type of female condom (FC). Of 290 women, 247 (85.2%) believed that FC could protect against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. A total of 152 (52.5%) thought that the female condom (FC) contraceptive failure rate was higher, and 107 (36.9%) thought that FC could be reused before they participated in this study. After the study, 135 (46.6%) and 39 women (13.4%) would have been happy to use FC2 and PFC, respectively. Significant difference was noted between PFC and FC2 for the features color, lubrication and overall fit, rather than length, appearance, smell and application method. A total of 68 (23.5%) and 140 women (49.5%) liked FC2's color and lubrication better than PFC (44, 15.2%; 99, 34.6%). Also, 158 women (54.5%) preferred the overall fit of FC2 compared with PFC (143, 49.5%; P < 0.05). Participants did not have sufficient knowledge about the contraceptive effect and use of FC. Lubrication means the smooth degree of using FC. Length means the size of FC. Appearance means the users' overall impression of the FC.