Poorly fitting condoms raise the risks of infection and pregnancy, according to a survey of 436 men reported in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections. Ill-fitting condoms more than doubled the chances of them splitting or slipping off, and doubled the chance of men taking them off midway through sex. Out of the 436 men, 195 reported that their last sexual encounter involved an ill-fitting condom. A total of 120 of these said that this had reduced their own sexual pleasure, and 57 said it had reduced it for their partner. Problems were far less frequent among men who reported a well-fitted condom.
One solution, according to the US researchers, would be better public health efforts to make sure that men achieved the best fit. Simon Blake, from advisory charity Brook, said that, used correctly, condoms were 98% effective and protected against both unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
However, while different sizes and shapes are available in Europe and the US, Gill Gordon, from the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, and says the size and fit issue must be addressed if condoms are to be used effectively to reduce the number of new HIV infections in Africa, "If we are serious about people being able to use condoms consistently, then we need to listen to their needs," she said. Source: BBC, 16 February, 2010. tinyurl.com/yhzto57
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