Whom the condom fits: mechanical and mental barriers
Wigersma, L.
Huisarts en Wetenschap 31(10): 331-334
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0018-7070 PMID: 12282572 Document Number: 365476
Latex condoms of good quality offer protection against pregnancy and many sexually transmitted diseases including human immunovirus (HIV) infection if used consistently and properly. Addition of a paste containing nonoxynol-9 spermicide increases the protective effect and even seems (in vitro) to give consistent protection with leaking or torn condoms. The greatest disadvantage for effective prophylaxis by means of condoms are then: the unsatisfactory quality of a proportion of the product; the lack of popularity; improper use; and unsatisfactory fitting. The first 2 factors are important considerations for the manufacturers, the authorities, and the retailers; the other factors may be ascribed to understandable resistance, doubt, and/or ignorance on the part of the potential users.