Condom use and breakage among women in a municipal hospital family planning clinic

Contraception. 1991 Feb;43(2):167-76. doi: 10.1016/0010-7824(91)90044-g.

Abstract

For those who choose to be sexually active, condoms are the best available means of protection against sexually transmitted diseases including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Condoms are also an effective method for preventing pregnancy. Unfortunately, condoms are not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy or the spread of infection, in part because condoms do break. In order to gain insight into condom breakage, a questionnaire was administered to women attending a municipal hospital family planning clinic. Thirty-six percent of the 106 subjects had experienced at least one condom breakage. Condom breakage occurred in approximately 1 out of 100 acts of intercourse using condoms, with a lifetime breakage rate of 10 per 1000 condom uses and a past year breakage rate of 8 per 1000 condom uses. Breakage rates did not differ substantially by age. Five percent of the women's unplanned pregnancies were attributed to broken condoms. The results of this study corroborate previously reported rates. Factors associated with these women's most recent breakage experiences included: vaginal intercourse, minimal foreplay, and breakage prior to ejaculation. Controlled studies will be needed to determine how the condom can be used to reduce the likelihood of breakage.

PIP: For those who choose to be sexually active, condoms are the best available means of protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Condoms are also an effective method for preventing pregnancy. Unfortunately, they are not 100% reliable at preventing pregnancy or the spread of infection, in part because condoms break. In order to understand condom breakage, a questionnaire was administered to women attending a municipal hospital family planning clinic. 36% of the 106 subjects had experienced at least 1 condom breakage; condom breakage occurs in approximately 1 of 100 acts of intercourse where the condom is used, with a lifetime breakage rate of 10/1000 condom uses. The past year breakage rate was 8/1000 condom uses. The past year breakage rate was 8/1000 condom uses. Breakage rates did not differ substantially by age. 5% of the women's unplanned pregnancies were attributed to broken condoms. Results of this study corroborate previously reported rates. Factors associated with most recent breakage experiences included: vaginal intercourse, minimal foreplay, and breakage prior to ejaculation. Controlled studies will need to determine how the condom can be made to better withstand the likelihood of breakage.

MeSH terms

  • Contraceptive Devices, Male / standards*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Family Planning Services / methods*
  • Female
  • Georgia
  • Hospitals, Municipal
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Surveys and Questionnaires