Implications of Laboratory Tests of Condom Integrity

Abstract

The relative importance of breaks and holes is related to the volume of semen that contains an "infectious dose" of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). When 0.1 mL to 1.0 mL exposures to semen are necessary for disease transmission, the risk during latex condom use primarily results not from holes, but from breakage of condoms. For smaller volumes of semen exposure (0.00001 mL and less), the presence of holes can be as important as breaks. The same qualitative argument pertains to a comparison of "leaker" condoms to the large majority of "intact" condoms.

Condom use around the globe: how can we fulfil the prevention potential of male condoms?

“…In vitro laboratory studies further indicate that latex condoms provide an effective physical barrier to STI pathogens. [11][12][13][14] Nevertheless, a decade ago, questions surrounding the effectiveness of condoms for STI prevention raised concerns regarding public health recommendations for their promotion and use. [15][16][17] Effectiveness is difficult to quantify because of measurement challenges inherent to clinical studies of condom use, including the absence of randomised controlled trials (and ethical issues precluding inclusion of a non-condom arm to persons at risk), reliance on self-reported measures of condom use, inadequate measures of consistent and correct use, and potentially low study power from infrequent STI outcomes.…”

Value of Consistent Condom Use: A Study of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention Among African American Adolescent Females

“…1 However, in vitro evidence [2][3][4] suggests that transmission of the largest STD pathogens (i.e., bacterial and protozoans) can be prevented by condom use. This study prospectively determined the association between African American adolescent females' condom use and their acquisition of biologically confirmed infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or Trichomonas vaginalis.…”

Microbicides for the Prevention of HPV, HIV-1, and HSV-2: Sexually Transmitted Viral Infections

“…Natural membrane condoms usually derived from lamb cecum are primarily meant for pregnancy prevention rather stopping STIs. In fact, the pores in the natural condoms are large enough to let the passage of small STI-causing organisms, particularly viruses [55]. On the other hand, the eicacy of synthetic condoms in the prevention of STIs has been proved by various epidemiological and laboratory studies [55].…”

“…In fact, the pores in the natural condoms are large enough to let the passage of small STI-causing organisms, particularly viruses [55]. On the other hand, the eicacy of synthetic condoms in the prevention of STIs has been proved by various epidemiological and laboratory studies [55]. Synthetic condoms are either made of latex or other nonlatex material such as polyurethane or polyisoprene.…”