Closer review of condom breakage leading to more reliable product.

The deadly consequences of HIV have focused new concern on condom reliability i.e. whether condoms break when used. Historically researchers have measured condom effectiveness by focusing on how consistently condoms are used either for pregnancy prevention or for protection from such diseases as gonorrhea and syphilis. But research has now begun to examine more closely how well condoms actually work. Experts at the Materials Technology Division at Family Health International (FHI) have identified the major factors that affect condom reliability and are beginning to understand their relative importance. Three stages in the life of a condom affect whether it breaks when used: the manufacturing process the duration and conditions of storage and human use. Worldwide an estimated 6 billion condoms are used each year. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) the largest donor of condoms to developing countries delivered about 800 million condoms overseas in 1990. The UN Population Fund and the International Planned Parenthood Federation delivered the next largest totals about 98 million and 18 million respectively. Experts on condom issues welcome research that can enhance the understanding of what causes condoms to break because the degree of condom reliability affects how likely couples are to use condoms. While this research continues they emphasize the importance of using condoms now. A Program Analyst at USAID in charge of contraceptive commodity quality assurance including condoms stated that with proper attention to procurement specifications manufacturing storage and use condoms have been proven to be highly reliable for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS and pregnancy.