Condom ‘turn offs’ among adults: an exploratory study

Abstract

An exploratory study compared the prevalence of multiple types of condom-associated 'turn offs' in men and women. Nearly 2000 people completed a web-based questionnaire. Data were analysed from 464 men and women who reported that condoms had turned them off the last time they were used. Gender differences were not observed for the majority (9) of 15 turn offs. The most common turn offs related to loss of pleasure. For example, more than three-quarters of the men and nearly 40% of the women reported decreased sexual sensation (P = 0.0001). Putting on condoms was reported by 43.2% of the men versus 30.2% of the women (P = 0.02). Smell was a relatively frequent turn off, with about one-third indicating this issue and no significant gender difference (P = 0.32). Turn offs pertaining to arousal and orgasm were also common. Findings suggest that numerous physical and psychological condom turn offs may be experienced by men and women while using male condoms. Although some turn offs differed as a function of gender, there was remarkable similarity between men and women.

The Men’s Safer Sex project: intervention development and feasibility randomised controlled trial of an interactive digital intervention to increase condom use in men

“…53 The interviews and literature review identified a multitude of potential barriers to condom use. 3 Behaviour change techniques l Problem-solving.…”

“…3,57 All data sources identified alcohol as a strong barrier to condom use. The importance of carrying/the availability of condoms has been related to condom use in the literature and lack of availability was identified as a barrier by experts in the workshops.…”

“…1,2 Condoms are effective for prevention of STIs, but there are many barriers to successful condom use, for example decrease in sensation, interruption of sex, incorrect size or fit, use of alcohol/ recreational drugs, anxiety affecting sexual performance and stigma associated with carrying condoms. 3,4 Condoms may be perceived as a barrier to intimacy and trust, 4 and their use is often lower in established relationships. 5 As men often have the power to influence condom use for penetrative sex (because they wear condoms), efforts are needed to target the obstacles to condom use that men face.…”

“…5 As men often have the power to influence condom use for penetrative sex (because they wear condoms), efforts are needed to target the obstacles to condom use that men face. 3 Although there are a variety of health promotion interventions aimed at improving sexual health for men who have sex with men (MSM), there are fewer interventions specifically for adult men who have sex with women (MSW), 6,7 despite the fact that MSW report much less consistent condom use than MSM. 8 Men are less likely than women to visit health professionals and generally have shorter clinic appointments, 9,10 and so may be less likely to be offered health promotional advice or risk reduction counselling in the context of routine appointments.…”

A Novel, Self-guided, Home-Based Intervention to Improve Condom Use Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men

“…[10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Prior interventions designed to increase correct and consistent condom use have insufficiently addressed these sexual aspects of condom use. In the KIHIS program, the sexual arousal aspects of condom use are emphasized.…”