Baby Boomer Sex Survey

Researchers at Indiana University are doing a study on safer sex and baby boomer women. We are looking for baby boomer women (born between 1946-1964) who meet specific eligibility requirements to participate. For more information please click here.

Condom Allergies

Dear Uncomfortable,

A few things...are you using a lubricant that contains, or condoms lubricated with, a spermicide called Nonoxynol-9 (N-9)? If you do not know, you should definitely find out. N-9 is a harsh chemical spermicide that is the source of many allergic reactions that occur when using condoms. You can ask you health care provider if you might be allergic to N-9; if you, all you need to do is use condoms and lubricants that do not contain that chemical. In general, we do not recommend using Nonoxynol-9 at all.

If that does not solve your problem, then you may actually be allergic to latex, the material from which most condoms are made. In that case, I would recommend trying the Durex Avanti or the FC Female Condom, which are both made of polyurethane. Polyurethane, as opposed to latex, is not a natural product; it is hypo-allergenic, heat conductive (it will warm to your body temperature), and can be used safely with oil-based substances. Lambskin condoms, like Trojan's Naturalamb, might also be an option; but understand that lambskin condoms DO NOT protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's). They can only be used to prevent pregnancy.

If you have not done so already, be sure to contact your health care provider and let him/her know about the allergic reactions you have experienced.

Juliet In Pajamas

HPV Resources

There are actually several good options for you...

American Social Health Association (ASHA)

ASHA hosts a chat-room for people with HPV; it is moderated by a facilitator, and has proven to be a great way to connect with supportive people in the
privacy of your own home. The chat takes place Monday through Friday, from 5-6pm. For more information, send an e-mail to hpvnet@ashastd.org.

Planned Parenthood of New York

Planned Parenthood has offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx and, as I understand it, they were recently recruiting people to form an HPV support group. For more information, you can check out their website or give them a call at 212.274.7200.

Other great resources to have:

New York Health Department (NYHD)
phone: 212.788.4415

National STD and AIDS Hotline
phone: 1.800.227.8922

Once your find yourself a support system that you are comfortable with, let us know if your group would like to host a safer sex workshop. We have a wonderful community outreach program through our New York store, and all the events are completely free of charge. Give us a call at 212.691.9442 and ask for Joy Lynn.

Going Away to College

Absolutely! I would suggest that you take a look at the Condomania Pleasure Pack. It is an amazing assortment of condoms and lubricants, neatly organized in a hot box (if you will), and packaged with a booklet that describes each piece in fun-filled detail. It even has a way to rate the prophylactics he has used, so it will be easy to re-purchase the ones he liked the most.

The Condomania Pleasure Pack can be purchased from our website and sent to you, or directly to your nephew at college (in discreet packaging, of course).

Congratulations on being such a cool aunt!

-Juliette In Pajamas

Ms. Staying Power

Ms. SP,

You may want to try the Kameleon Tri-Colored Condoms. They are lots of fun to look at, and because of all the coloring they are actually quite a bit thicker at the top of the shaft and at the head (where nerve concentration is the greatest); I have known people to find them very effective in climax control.

Beyond that, I think it is important to take things slowly. If your boyfriend starts getting too excited, take a break from touching around the genital area until he feels like he can continue without ejaculating right away. Work like this on building up his tolerance, until you reach a point where you are both satisfied.

How to Help Parents Talk to Teenagers ABout Sexual Health

A: Sex can be a difficult subject to discuss without feeling like you are "corrupting" certain populations, especially in regards to youth and their parents or guardians. It is important to remember that all of the information we are supplying as sexual health educators is based in common beliefs that we all
share: respecting and caring for yourself as well as the people you love, whether they be your family, your friends, or your partners.

If you are concerned about a lack of prior relationships with your parent population, you may want to begin with a type of mixer for parents of young teens. At that mixer, you could facilitate a discussion about common concerns they have with their growing children (possibly emphasizing issues surrounding puberty), and then generate a list from the issues brought to the table.

You can then make the parents aware of your resources (ie. Condomania, Planned Parenthood, local churches, etc.) and, using that generated list, you would be able to program for them accordingly based on their requests. It may feel more organic and community-based for them, letting them know that they are a necessary part of the planning process and showing them that no one is trying to "push" any ideas that they did not ask to learn about; you are simply providing them with knowledge and a wide variety of options, based on their common concerns as parents.

As a sexual health advocate and educator in New York City, I completely understand your concerns and wish you very the best of luck! Please let us know how it goes...

HIV+, Condoms, & Monogamy

Just Wondering,

Yes, yes, absolutely yes :) Even if both partners are HIV+, they should always use protection during sex. It is possible to pass on different strains of HIV, allowing the virus to mutate and become much more difficult to treat. This may also make both partners more susceptible to opportunistic infections.

We usually recommend Inspiral condoms supplemented by Astroglide lubricant as the best protection against transmission of HIV. The InSpiral is a thicker condom that generates more sensation by the nature of it's shape; Astroglide is a water-based lubricant that helps to inhibit the transmission of HIV, just by the nature of it's molecular structure.

Juliet In Pajamas

Weather Related Service Updates

Due to the recent national disaster in the gulf coast states, USPS and other mail services are currently suspended in effected areas as a result of severe facility damage and residential evacuations.

Effective immediately, we can no longer accept orders addressed for delivery within the following three-digit ZIP code ranges until further notice: 369, 393, 394, 395, 396, 700, 701, and 704.

Please see the USPS website for updated information.

Customers in these areas who have placed an order anywhere between Aug. 15 and Aug. 31 that is undeliverable due to these circumstances will receive full reimbursement, or reshipment to an alternate address free of charge. These requests will be accepted until the end of the year, and may be submitted by phone or email.

Other Ways You Can Help:
The New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) Hurricane Fund is a division of the Community Action Council for Tulane University Students (CACTUS). Founded by four undergraduate students in response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, NOLA Relief Fund is committed to a long term effort to rebuild the city. 100% of donations go toward aiding Hurricane victims.
NOLAhurricanefund.org

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
fema.gov

Second Harvest National Food Bank
secondharvest.org

What About the Lube?

A. Wow what a combo to have to deal with Miss Dry. Fortunately it is our understanding that propylene glycol is not included in the lubricant which comes on the Durex Avanti condom.

Too Wide

A. Too Wide, I'm sorry to say that there are no condoms larger than the G22 on the market right now. We were quite surprised by the number of people asking for sizes outside of our initial 55 in the TheyFit line of condoms. And so taking the wishes of our customers into consideration we have launched an initiative to enlarge the number of sizes we carry by 40. This will be a total of 55 sizes of which there is a very good chance we will have a size wider than the G22. Unfortunately the process for doing this is time consuming and we simply cannot give a set date to launch for the new sizes yet. Stay tuned though. We'll let you know.

The Precum Quandry

Mr. M.,

You are likely fine. This great increase in precum volume can be an indicator of a problem with your prostrate. I'd suggest you seek out the advice of you doctor and get a full check up to make sure you are in good shape.

As for your condom needs I'd suggest you try to use a condom such as the Pleasure Plus which has a large receptacle end and will likely hold enough volume to keep the precum and cum in place to prevent such slippage. Another thing you may try is to use our TheyFit condoms as a proper fitting condom may also help a great deal in preventing slippage.

Let us know how this works out for you.

That Other Condom Guru

What About Foreskin?

A: Yes! There’s a much better way. Unfortunately here in the US, circumcision has become so commonplace that health professionals often neglect to reference this information. That’s where the sexperts come in.

My first piece of insight is to consider the fact that your female friend may be asking intimate questions out of more than just curiosity. I see a potential love connection, or at least a willing "product tester" for the merchandise suggestions below. Second and most importantly, go with your personal preference to find the best product for your needs, rather than using generic drug store prophylactics. To ensure the condom is applied correctly, it is recommended the foreskin be pulled back before putting it on, and then pushed forward over the head of the penis once the condom been fully unrolled. [*see How to Use a Condom*]

There are several condoms available that offer a much larger, bulbous head shape, which creates more stimulation in addition to increasing your comfort level. Here are my personal recommendations: Lifestyles Xtra Pleasure Condoms, Trojan Twisted Pleasure Condoms, Pleasure Plus Condoms, and the famous Inspiral Condom.

P.S. – Based on my ongoing field research, the recommendations above are also applicable for those with a genital piercing, such as a Prince Albert.

Trojan Large Size in Inches

David,

I'm not sure what you refer to when you ask how big is the Trojan Large in inches. But if you are referring to length the answer is 8.42519685 inches. I hope this helps.

Christopher

Larger Size Flavored Condoms

A: Believe it or not, there are actually no flavored condoms that are available in various sizes. At the moment, Trustex Flavored Condoms are the largest size FDA approved flavored condoms. They’re longer (by about 20mm) and just slightly wider than average. They come in a wide variety of tongue tingling flavors, including Mint, Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate, Grape, Cola, and my personal favorite, Banana. If you're looking for a wider-size, you may want to try the Lifestyles Kiss of Mint Condoms (though they're slightly shorter than average). Condomania may introduce a flavored version of TheyFit Condoms in the near future. Until then, you just might try using your preferred XL condom with a little flavored lubricant, like one of the many Wet Fun Flavors.

Herpes & Partner Notification Services

A: According to the Center for Disease Control, the answer to your question would vary depending upon your location. Call the National STD and AIDS Hotline at 1.800.227.8922 (available 24 hours a day) to get the contact information for your local health department. You can also ask your health care provider, your local chapter of Planned Parenthood, as well as the location where you were tested to see if they can assist you in finding an appropriate way to notify your previous partners.

Dan Savage & the Unsatisfied Condom User

One of my associates brought a new Q&A from Dan Savage to my attention. I wrote out a response to Dan which I'm going to post excerpts from here. Here's the question that piqued my interest:

Dan replied to IWNH with the following:

Responding to Dan's response is a bit intimidating as I know he serves up a lot of good advice. But "suffer bitch" really doesn't cut it unless it is paired with actual advice about how to make the condom experience better. Here are some excerpts from my response:

It turns out I am not the only one who has some comments about Dan's response to this fellow. Here's some others that he collected.

Questions On Condom Sizing

Ken,

I appreciate your note. Actually you are getting some different measurement standards confused.

You cannot use the lay flat measurement standard which we use on the normal condoms on the site as a comparison. Lay flat measurement does not actually use pie as part of the formula.

The actual range of the width for the size 22 TheyFit condom is between 158mm & 200mm if you use actual circumference size as the standard. The reason this range is so large is because we have no sizes larger than this. At some point the size for the 22 may be adjusted if we bring larger sizes into the mix.

When you apply lay flat standards to the condoms you'll find that the lay flat size for size 22 is 64mm. Which is substantially larger than the average condom. The 64mm size, while not quite as large as the Magnum XL at the head, is consistant throughout the entire length of the condom so it proves to be a much better condom for most guys who need such large condoms. Our experience has shown that the issue of the base size on larger condoms will make condoms like Magnum XL unusable for many guys because the bottom of the condom, 54mm for the Trojan Magnum XL, simply won't comfortably go over the glans.

Hopefully this makes sense. If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.

- That Other Condom Guru

Thick Condoms

Dear Avoiding,

Condom manufacturers strongly suggest you do not wear more than one condom at a time. If they are not adequately lubricated there is an increased likelihood that one or both of the condom will burst from the friction of latex on latex. If they are lubricated well enough to avoid that then one will likely slip off.

So as a general rule please do not waer more than one condom at a time.

Now while this advice may be sound it doesn't really help you with your problem. Perhaps there are a few things you can try. One is this numbing jell you refer to. You probably are referring to the Maintain product from Durex. It is very easy to use too much of this product. And if you do, well, that it's for pokey!

Look at it this way: as in anything else in life practice makes perfect. If you have a problem with premature ejaculation then it will require effort and practice to get over it. If Maintain causes you to lose your erection then try cutting down the amount you use. Or if you want try to use the Durex Performax condom which contains some of the same substance but in a small premeasured amount.

Put a condom on without your partner and practice being able to stroke yourself without bringing yourself to climax. Get your partner to help. Don't look at when you climax as a problem. Look at it as a process. The more you practice holding your climax the better you will. Here's an article we dug up on Kegel exercises for men. Read through it and practice and I'm sure you feel the results.

Now in this process you may find it helpful to use a thicker condom. We have just the one for you: Trojan Extra Strength. At .09mm in thickness it is far thicker than pretty much any other condom available in the United States. If you couple this with a bit of Maintain and a heaping of practice with the kegels I suspect you'll be on your way to outlasting all but the most devoted partners!

- That Other Condom Guru

Additional TheyFit Sizes?

Dear Looker,

We do carry the largest sizes and the largest variety of sizes.

There is a good chance that S66 will be one of several new sizes of TheyFit Condoms we hope introduce in the next year or so. We are currently maintaining a list of sizes which fall outside of the current range and will hopefully augment the line soon.

The proper size for you at this point would be the E66 size. It will be a tad short but should still fit better than any other condom on the market.

I hope this helps.

That Other Condom Guru

New Stickers on Condom Boxes

Multiple Use,

Okay here's the deal. The US government has struck a deal with the condom industry to phase out the use of N-9 in condoms. In 2000 it became apparent that the use of N-9 may contribute to the transmission of sexually transmitted illnesses because, as a detergent, it can produce micro-lesions in the muscus membranes of the vagina or anus. These micro-lesions may allow for opportunistic infections to enter yours, or your partners, body.

As a general rule you should only use N-9 as a female applied contraceptive gel, foam, or film. Men should attempt to avoid N-9 treated condoms as much as possible. As part of this compromise the sticker to which you refer has recently begun to appear on the packaging of condoms sold in the United States. Here's what it says:

So if you want to use a condom for multiple daily use (Good for You!!!) then try to stick to condoms without N-9 on them.

I hope this helps,

That Other Condom Guru

Length to Girth

Mr. Girth,

You have parsed the situation exactly right. Since you can always leave a bit of the condom unrolled at the base the primary fit should be girth. So if you find that our Fit Kit does not give you both the correct length & girth then you want to aim first for girth. Since your member comes in at O22 you want to go ahead and purchase the next size up in length while maintaining your girth: the U22.

I hope this helps.

That Other Condom Guru

Condom Slippage

Dear Slippage,

Polyurethane is not any more prone to slippage than any other condom. What you are experiencing probably relates more to size issues than the type of material of which the condom is made. Since polyurethane does not stretch like latex you may just be a tad too narrow down there for the condom to get a good grip.

One solution we can recommend is a good cock ring. If you find a nice snugly fitting cock ring and then place it over the condom at the base of your tool you will probably find it serves to both keep you harder longer as well as serve as a great way to keep your condom steady while you do your deed.

Hope this helps!

That Other Condom Guru

Ah the Finger in the Vagina!

Dear Friend,

Well if a guy puts his finger up a girls vagina it shouldn't get her pregnant (or somthing) but it just depends. If he confuses his penis with his finger he just may get her pregnant (or somthing). Or, and more importantly, if he has cum or precum on his fingers and then puts his fingers up in her vagina there is certainly a chance she could become pregnant (or somthing).

I hope this helps you (and your friend),

That Other Condom Guru.

Comparing TheyFit Condoms to Others

Size Guy,

Unfortunately we really can't give you direct comparisons between previously available condoms and the TheyFit condoms. The two condoms you mention don't actually have a corollary to one of the TheyFit condoms. I can tell you that 95% of the condoms previously made by major international manufacturers do not fall into the 55 sizes in the TheyFit line. One major component of this situation is that most condoms have been made, up until now, rather longish in compared to the average guy. The idea behind this is rather simple. If a condom is a bit too long then it's not too big of a deal because the unrolled part at the base of the penis usually doesn't get in anyone's way.

Obviously you can get one of the M88 condoms and get out a ruler and then measure the LifeStyles condom of your choice and make a direct comparison but I'm afraid you'll find they do not match up in any meaningful way. Our position is that you will definitely get a better experience by simply using the Fit Kit and using the correct size TheyFit condom.

- That Other Condom Guru

Lubes & Toys

Dear Toy User,

Yes both silicone and glycerine based lubricants are compatible with polyurethane condoms such as Durex Avanti or Trojan Supra.

It appears the information you have gotten is a tad incomplete. Perhaps I can clarify things for you. Silicone based lubes should not be used in conjunction with silicone based sex toys. So if you use silicone sex toys then make sure the lubes you use do not contain silicone.

Simple huh!

- That Other Condom Guru

Condom Factories

Potential Tourist,

Well condoms are made all over the world. For example, there are condoms made in Alabama, SE Asia, China, Russia, Germany, South Africa, and pretty much anywhere you can imagine. We do not manufacture condoms ourselves and so we would be unable to grant you access to a condom plant tour. But it sounds like a great idea...I can just see it now...step this way and behold the wonders of latex "dipping," watch your step now as hot latex can be quite painful.

- That Other Condom Guru

Questioning N-9

Good Doctor,

Many of the condoms we sell here at Condomania come with the spermicide nonoxynol-9. This type of spermicide can be found in about a third of condoms on the market. Many of the condoms on the market are sold either with or without N-9.

You will find though that this figure will be going down in the future as more manufacturers move away from supporting this ingrediant in condoms. Mayer Labs has stopped adding N-9 to its condoms and couple of our favorite new brands, Paradise and TheyFit condoms, have been introduced without any version of N-9.

Remember you only get benefit from N-9 in a female applied contraceptive film, foam, or gel.

- That Other Condom Guru

Begin the Maintain

Mr. 1 Minute,

Benzocaine just might be the trick you need. Benzocaine produces a slight numbing sensation on your penis and may help you avoid premature ejaculation. Condomania carries this desensitizer in several products. The first on the market was Durex Maintain which is a desensitizing lubricant you apply directly to your penis before you put on the condom. Then Durex decided to cut out the middle step and began applying the desensitizing lotion directly to the condom lubricant so you don't have to, and walah!, the Durex Performax. Trojan has also produced such a condom: the Trojan Extended Pleasure which, when it was introduced, was the best seller at Condomania for many months.

The most important thing you need to remember when using these products they if applied to the wrong body part you, or your partner, may find that all the "wrong parts" are numb. Women tend to greatly dislike this sudden numbing in their vagina so be very careful you only apply it to yourself. If you worry you have gotten the benzocaine on the outside of the condom, it comes applied to the inside of both the Druex and Trojan varieties, then simply take the condom off and use a new one.

I once received a note from a customer who mistakenly applied Maintain to his partner's vagina and then he began performing oral sex on her. Needless to say neither one of them could feel a thing...and well there was giggling all around but not a lot of sex!

- That Other Condom Guru

Trojan Supra - Now You See It...

Yes it is AACP. The nifty thing about the Trojan Supra is that the polyurethane is completly translucent. When you look at it when it's being worn you can barely tell it is even there. And of course since it is made of plastic instead of latex you can feel body heat radiating from it. Very nice!

No it's not a textured condom at all. I know it looks that way but it's not. Those lines you see are a very gentle "wave" in the structure of the condom which gives absolutely no texture whatsoever.

That Other Condom Guru

Posing Condoms

Oh that's easy - we blow them up!

That Other Condom Guru

Forex Condoms

Dear Be Safe,

I'm sorry to have to let you down but Forex condoms have not been manufactered in years. The only natural lambskin condoms still available on the market are the Trojan Naturalamb condoms. Sorry we couldn't be more help.

That Other Condom Guru

Liquid Silk, To Silicone or Not?

Dear AAL,

Actually Liquid Silk contains dimethicone. Traditional silicones, such as dimethicones and cyclomethicones, are used in some personal lubrication products to improve feel and spreading, to impart lubricity, provide barrier properties, and add conditioning benefits.

Wow is that a mouthful or what?

You are right that some women who are prone to yeast infections should try to avoid lubes such as Astroglide because they contain glycerines. Glycerines break down into simple sugars which do not do so well in the vagina. Simple sugars introduced into the vagina are often a precurser to a raging and uncomfortable yeast infection.

So to answer your question yes Liquid Silk can be a fine choice of lubricant for those who have a tendency to get yeast infections but no you should not use Liquid Silk if you like to play with silicone based sex toys.

That Other Condom Guru

Porn Star Condoms

What a great question. I can see that you take your porn very seriously! Just make sure you don't get to close to the "tube" as we understand it can cause eye problems.

But seriously, every porn star has their own specific likes and dislikes in condoms. Some have specific condom choices as part of their contracts and some will make do with whatever condoms are made available on the set by the producers. One condom I that I know for a fact is used on quite a few sets on a regular basis is the Paradise condom. It is very thin and comfortable along with being a pleasing shade of pink which lends itself well to closeups.

Of course, not having been on a Vivid shoot yet I can't guarantee this, it seems like a no brainer that the fine Vivid ladies would only use Vivid condoms for their shoots.

Of course Gene Simmons may wish they used his.

Hope this helps.

That Other Condom Guru

The Ins and Outs of Applying Lubricant!

Dear Lucy,

There reason people add lubricant to condoms is to help in reducing the friction caused by sexual intercourse. It also helps in making the condom feel more sensitive. Apply lubricant to the inside of a condom does the same, and a little more. When a person adds lubrication to the inside of a condom, it helps in creating a "water seal" of a type. A few drops of lubricant put on the head of the penis before you roll the condom on, will help you see and hopefully expel any pockets of air that could cause the condom to break.

So not only does lubricant add sensitivity to the sexual act, it also helps in protecting you and the condom from damage.

I Need Something Wider!!!!

Dear Satisfied,

I am sorry to hear that the

Durex Avanti did not work out for you but it is one of the widest condoms sold in the US. I am happy to say that there are a few other condoms that are wider and hopefully you can find one that will suit your needs. Listed below are a couple of condoms that are roomier top to bottom.

First let's start with the Trojan Magnum XL The Magnum XL was developed especially for the guys who need a little more breathing room. The MagnumXl measures 205mm in length and 54/65mm in width at the base and head respectfully.

A second larger sized condom would be the LifeStyles Large. While the width of the Lifestyles is the same as the Magnum XL it is a tad shorted in length, measuring in at 190mm. The Lifestyles large is the most recent entry to the larger size family, and has developed quite a following.

Thank you and I hope the information I have given you, helps in your search for that perfect condom!

Good Luck,

Condom Guru #1

Condoms: Barriers to Bad News

by Tamar Nordenberg

What do condoms have in common with toothpaste and toilet paper?

Not enough, according to Adam Glickman, owner of the Condomania stores in New York and Los Angeles. Glickman, who has sold condoms by the millions to individuals and organizations such as the Peace Corps and Planned Parenthood, says condoms should be viewed as ordinary, like toothpaste and toilet paper. "People have gotten past asking, 'Isn't brushing my teeth every morning a hassle?' Given the world we live in, wearing condoms is something you just have to do, like brushing your teeth. The stakes are too high."

Luis Lopez knows first-hand what's at stake. About 10 years ago, Lopez, now 31 and a health educator with the People With AIDS Coalition of New York, became infected with the HIV virus, which causes AIDS, during a casual sexual encounter.

"I thought people with AIDS had purple spots or looked really skinny," Lopez says. "I thought by being discriminating about who I slept with, I could keep myself safe. We know now that makes no sense."

We know now that abstaining from sex is the only foolproof protection from the sexual passage of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). We know, too, that for those who choose to have sex with someone who has any chance of being infected, using a latex condom during every sexual encounter can significantly reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, while protecting against pregnancy.

For those who can't or won't use latex condoms, the Food and Drug Administration has cleared two alternative barrier methods of birth control, a male condom made of polyurethane and a condom that is worn by the woman. Both help protect against pregnancy and may provide some level of protection from STDs.

Life-Saving Barrier

A male condom, sometimes called a "rubber" or "prophylactic," is a sheath that fits snugly over a man's erect penis, with a closed end to catch the sperm and stop them from entering the woman's vagina. No prescription is needed to buy a condom.

Data show that if a condom is used correctly with every act of sexual intercourse for one year, about three out of every 100 women are expected to get pregnant.

Besides sperm, latex condoms act as a barrier to a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, and other infectious particles. By preventing contact with many sores and minimizing the exchange of infectious fluids, condoms can help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes infection, and genital ulcers. Even though sperm are enormous compared to HIV (see illustration), both are much too small to see. But even HIV, which is among the tiniest of STD organisms, cannot pass through a latex condom.

Millions of Americans are infected with these diseases each year, and hundreds of thousands of them become seriously ill or die as a result. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, someone is infected with HIV every 13 minutes. CDC estimates that 65 percent of these AIDS cases can be attributed to sexual contact.

The best protection from such diseases is to not have sex or to have a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who is known to be uninfected. However, for those who are sexually active, studies have shown that proper and consistent use of latex condoms is the best defense.

A 1994 European study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at HIV transmission rates of heterosexual couples with one HIV-infected partner. The study compared the transmission rates for couples who used condoms consistently to those who didn't. Of the 123 couples who consistently used condoms, none of the HIV-free partners became infected during the study, whereas 12 of the 122 partners who didn't consistently use condoms became infected.

"The scientific evidence is compelling," says Herbert Peterson, M.D., chief of CDC's women's health and fertility branch. "We're not guessing about this."

The spermicide nonoxynol-9, used in some condoms, has been shown to be effective as a contraceptive, and may reduce the risk of transmitting certain STDs. But the spermicide has not been proven to prevent sexual transmission of HIV.

Similarly, lambskin (or natural membrane) condoms, while effective for contraception, should not be used for disease protection because the naturally occurring pores in lambskin are large enough to allow some viruses to pass through.

Hole Check

Since 1976, FDA has regulated condoms to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Currently, manufacturers of American-made and imported condoms electronically test each condom for holes and other defects. Also, before distributing the condoms to retailers, manufacturers perform additional testing on random condoms from each batch, usually involving a "water leak" test to find holes and an "air burst" test to check condom strength.

FDA oversees the testing procedures by periodically inspecting the manufacturing facilities, and the agency tests some condoms in its own laboratories to confirm their quality.

Condoms are sold in various colors, shapes or packaging to suit different personal preferences. But, whether they glow in the dark or taste like strawberries, products that sufficiently resemble a condom must comply with FDA's requirements, even if they are labeled as "novelties." The only condom-like products that need not comply are those that can't be used like condoms. For example, some novelty products have the closed end removed or are sealed so they can't be unrolled.

Correct and Consistent

Although condoms are generally expected to break less than 2 percent of the time—with more than half of the breakages occurring before ejaculation—real-life pregnancy rates over a year of condom use may be as high as 15 percent.

Inconsistent or incorrect use of condoms explains the discrepancy, according to Lillian Yin, director of the division in FDA that regulates condoms and other reproductive devices. One national survey of heterosexual adults with multiple sex partners found that only 17 percent used a condom every time they had sex.

"People say they use condoms," Yin says, "but do they use them each and every time and use them correctly? That's another ballgame. We hear it all the time—'We tried to use it, but ....'"

But what? Partner trust was the most-cited reason for not wearing condoms in a recent study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. But be careful, CDC cautions, because even a trustworthy partner could unknowingly have a sexually transmitted disease.

Many participants in the NIH study said they didn't always wear a condom because sex feels better without them. Lopez responds, "If you don't use them, you run the risk of something that feels much worse."

Sometimes a couple can't use a latex condom because one partner is allergic to latex. For these people, FDA has approved condoms made from polyurethane.

If a man objects to wearing a condom for some other reason, Planned Parenthood suggests possible replies. For example, to the partner who says, "I guess you don't really love me," the organization suggests responding, "I do, but I'm not risking my future to prove it." If the man still chooses not to wear a condom, the Reality female condom cleared by FDA in 1993 offers an alternative. (See "For the Female.")

Using condoms consistently is a start, but using them correctly is another key to protecting oneself. User error, not poor condom quality, leads to most breakages. But a few simple rules can minimize breaks and leaks. (See "Handle with Care.")

Even when used correctly, condoms aren't perfect, CDC acknowledges, comparing them to other important safety-enhancing behaviors like wearing seatbelts and bicycle helmets. Imperfect as they are, condoms can significantly reduce the rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

"Correct and consistent condom use," says CDC's Peterson, "could break the back of the AIDS epidemic."

Tamar Nordenberg is a staff writer for FDA Consumer.