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Most condom breakage is due
to human error
- Among experienced users, breakage and slippage
is very rare
- Condom breakage rates are less than 5% among
the majority of users
- A small number of users are responsible for
most breakage and slippage
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If male condoms break or slip, it is usually because of human
error. With modern technology and quality control, condom breakage
is rarely due to faulty manufacturing. Studies have examined
the incidence of breakage, the term used when a condom develops
a hole or tear, and slippage, the term used when the condom
comes off of the penis while it is in the vagina. Among experienced
users, condom breakage or slippage is very rare. Among the majority
of users, breakage rates are less than 5 percent.
In studies where higher rates of breakage have been reported,
a small number of users were found to be responsible for most
of the failures. This suggests that counseling can greatly improve
an individual’s successful use of condoms. Providers need
to be able to identify users who may be using condoms incorrectly
and help them reduce their risk of condom failure. The next
two slides will discuss the behaviors that are most likely to
cause condom breakage or slippage.
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