Abstract

PIP: There are many advantages to the condom, a contraceptive which is holding its own in the US market. This is the case although the product is not advertised as much as foam and is hardly promoted at all by physicians. With a major promotional effort on the part of manufacturers and family planning programs there might be a considerable increase in condom use. This could be important particularly in the prevention of premarital pregnancies and venereal disease among younger teenagers. Increased promotion would necessitate changes in current state laws which now restrict the sale, advertising, or display of condoms. Despite its advantages, the "sensation" objection is unquestionably valid, and more research is required into the potential extended use-effectiveness of thinner, more sensitive condoms compared with the thicker products which are freer from minor defects. Most of the world's condoms are manufactured in the US, the UK, and Japan. The Japanese are the world's most innovative and imaginative manufacturers and promoters of condoms. Thus, the Japanese condoms tend to dominate most markets in which they are freely allowed. In selecting condoms for use in a family planning program, or for other efforts by family planning professionals to promote condom use, the selection of brands can be critical. The basic variations in American condoms include differences in the material from which they are made, their shape, whether or not they are lubricated, their color, and their size. American manufactured condoms are made either of animal membrane or latex rubber. There are 2 basic variations in common shape in the US: the reservoir end; and the preshaped condom. Condoms are available dry and lubricated. Most users prefer lubricated brands. The 2 types of lubricants are moist and silicone. The role of color has been very little investigated. Evidence from other countries suggests a strong preference for condoms in color rather than plain white or transparent condoms. There are few significant differences in size among US brands except that skin condoms are larger than latex condoms because they will not stretch. In the US condom quality control is supervised by the Food and Drug Administration, and its surveillance is strict. In general, the quality of condoms in America is good. The packaging factor can have a significant effect on the ultimate effectiveness of condoms, since minor damage to the condom between purchase and use is probably a more significant factor than defects in the manufacturing process.