Contraceptive effectiveness of male condoms high.

Data from two randomised, controlled contraceptive efficacy trials were combined, involving 800 couples who used three latex condom brands exclusively for up to six menstrual cycles. Detailed reports (3,715) on slippage and breakage were collected from the first five study condom uses. Vaginal samples (243) were collected from the first study condom use and tested for the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and spermatazoa. The combined clinical breakage rate for the first five condom uses was 0.4% and the slippage rate 1.1%. The combined, six-cycle, typical-use pregnancy rate was 7% (95% CI 5.0-9.0). The combined, six-cycle, consistent-use pregnancy rate was 1.0% (95% CI 0.0-2.1). PSA was detected in only 1.2% of post-coital vaginal samples. There were no differences in performance or efficacy among the three brands. The study concludes that the condoms rarely broke or slipped off during intercourse, and risk of semen leakage from intact condoms was very low. The condoms provided high contraceptive efficacy, especially when used consistently. (1)

(1.) Walsh TL, Frezieres RG, Peacock K, et al. Effectiveness of the male latex condom: combined results for three popular condom brands used as controls in randomized clinical trials. Contraception 2004;70: 407-13.