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Reproductive Health |
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The Latex Condom: Recent Advances, Future DirectionsChapter 2 sidebar: Acceptability and Product Development |
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Increased acceptability of condoms means more sales for condom manufacturers. Hence, condom producers have an interest in exploring product designs that can increase acceptability. These include new approaches to lubricants, dimensions, shape/design and packaging. Also, condom developers, including those developing synthetic (non-latex) products, can explore designs that are thinner, stronger, less likely to slip, easier to put on, and with more variety in color, texture, scent and flavor. Any change or modification in a condom property, however, should be carefully evaluated for its effect on condom failure so that efficacy is not sacrificed for increased acceptability. Lubricants. Manufacturers currently pre-lubricate most condoms, using water-based, silicone-based or other lubricants. Lubricants enhance consumer acceptability by making condoms easier and more comfortable to use. Pre-lubricated condoms may also decrease breakage and contribute to correct usage. Insufficient lubricant may lead condom users to add their own lubricant. However, appropriate lubricants may not be readily available, so pre-lubricated condoms may result in more correct condom usage in some areas. Silicone lubricants have also been found to help prevent deterioration under adverse storage conditions. (Free)
Including nonoxynol-9 (N-9) or another spermicide on pre-lubricated condoms results in a more expensive product with a shorter shelf life. Spermicides have a designated shelf life of two to three years. In contrast, condoms lubricated without spermicides usually have a five-year shelf life. Also, little research has examined how N-9 or other spermicides interact with chemical components of the latex formulation, which could affect the condom's integrity. Dimensions. Future research could evaluate various thicknesses and thickness profile approaches, such as making condoms thicker at the tip. Most experts think that the closed end of the condom is subjected to the most stress during intercourse. Making a condom that is thicker at the closed end and thinner at the open end might result in decreased condom breakage and increased acceptability. Traditionally, manufacturers have faced the dilemma of trading thickness for sensitivity: that is, the thinner condom allows more sensitivity, but the thicker condom is less likely to break. The use of synthetic materials may permit having strong condoms that are also very sensitive. Shape/Design. Manufacturers are exploring changes to the traditional straight-sided or contoured condom shape. Several condoms marketed in the U.S. are bulbous at the closed end and similar in width to a straight-sided condom at the open end. This looser fit provides the penis with more room to move, supposedly allowing friction comparable to having intercourse without a condom. The bulbous shape may also be more comfortable and provide greater sensitivity than tighter-fitting condoms. One experimental synthetic design, the Ezon condom, is a baggy sheath that is slipped on like a sock rather than rolled on (see Chapter 7). Packaging. Manufacturers say that users often complain about packaging. Packages are difficult to open, especially some of the stronger foil packages. However, foil packages help preserve condom quality during storage. Developing a foil package that is easy to open without having to use a sharp object not only would increase acceptability but also would reduce the likelihood of breakage. by Caroline E. Gilmore References
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By adding spermicides to pre-lubricated condoms, manufacturers are able to suggest on package labeling and elsewhere that these condoms may provide extra protection from STD transmission. This is a successful marketing tool, with about one third of the pre-lubricated condoms in the U.S. now containing spermicides. While spermicides do kill sperm and STD organisms, including HIV, in the laboratory, research among actual users indicates that adding spermicide to condoms does not increase their effectiveness against STDs. (Roddy)