Research Briefs on the Male Condom

Family Health International (FHI) has both designed and developed new condoms, and since 1991, has performed quality control evaluations on all condoms procured by USAID and many other donor organizations. These briefs highlight recent research on condoms, including counseling techniques to reduce breaking and slipping of condoms and self-reported behavior regarding use of condoms.

Counseling on Condom Use Decreases  Breakage and Slippage Rates (2007)

Counseling men on the correct use of a condom lowers rates of condom failure due to the condoms breaking or slipping off, according to a recent USAID-supported study from Family Health International.

Self-Reported Condom Use Can Predict Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (2007)

Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Family Health International, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have shown that self-reported consistent condom use is associated with a lowered risk of three common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

High Rates of Pregnancy and Cervical Infection Signal Need for Dual Protection (2007)

Young sex workers urgently need dual protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to data from a USAID-supported study of condom promotion in Madagascar.

Review Highlights Benefits of Latex Condoms Over Nonlatex Varieties (2006)

Latex condoms break less often than their nonlatex counterparts and are also likely to be more effective in preventing pregnancy, confirms an updated research review published by Family Health International in the Cochrane Library.

Study Proves Inaccuracy of Some Self-Reported Data on Sexual Behavior (2006)

A new study from Family Health International and partners has used a biological marker of unprotected sex to show high levels of inaccurate self-reported behavioral data among women participating in a condom promotion study in Madagascar.