Name: Kate A Shuchter
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
I am a teacher of health and human sexuality. I am determined to give
my students accurate information about disease and pregnancy prevention.
I know there was a test done some time ago that compared brands of
condoms for effectiveness. I have been unable to locate the results. I
remember the poorest performer, but cannot find the best. Also, I would
like some more information on what effects the efficacy of condoms made
of the same material. Does anyone know the results or where I can find
them?
Replies:
The variation in the efficacy of condoms is much more strongly related
to what type of material is being used and how it is being used: what brand of a
given type of condom is probably irrelevant. It must be
stressed that latex condoms give better protection from STDs than do
natural condoms given that they are used properly and consistently.
Latex condoms give better STD protection if used with lubricants (water
based) because this reduces the risk of breakage. Following the package
insert instructions and using them regularly will reduce the risk of STD
transmission. You might try calling pharmacists for more info.
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