1. /
  2. Articles
  3. /
  4. Sex, Sexuality & Pregnancy
  5. /
  6. Condoms & Contraception: Best...

Condoms & Contraception: Best Condoms, Condom Reviews, Condom Effectiveness.

by | Jun 2, 2007 | Sex, Sexuality & Pregnancy

Taken From: Consumer Reports – http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/health-care/condoms-and-contraception-205/overview/index.htm

Condoms being tested.

LAB-TESTED Two of 23 kinds of latex condoms we tested may have a greater tendency to fail during use.

s

Of the many options available for pregnancy prevention, condoms remain the only method that also can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, which causes AIDS. That’s a crucial function: HIV infects 110 Americans each day and at least half of them younger than 25. Concerns have evolved over some older sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, because they have become resistant to the standard drugs used to treat them. For this report, we evaluated 23 kinds of latex condoms. We also purchased two types made of polyurethane, marketed to people allergic to latex.

Because there’s so much confusion over contraceptives, we also created the chart in Condoms & Contraception – A Comparative Guide. with the facts about 17 birth-control methods, so that you can compare them and decide what’s best for you. And Birth Control: More & Safer Choices. details the latest developments in contraception.

In our tests, all latex condoms passed minimum industry standards (no such standards exist for polyurethane models). We found no correlation between performance and price, thickness, or the country of manufacture. But some models were clearly stronger than others. We rated one model that Planned Parenthood distributes at its clinics as poor because its strength was so low compared with the rest. Here are the details:

Strength differs – We test condoms by inflating them until they burst, an established predictor of real-world performance. The best had no premature breakage among the 120 samples we tested for each model. When inflated, they also averaged at least 38 liters of air. The worst, however, broke 18 of 120 times at volumes below our strength threshold of 25 liters.

Size matters – Most models met minimum standards for length and thickness. But some samples of the Durex Extra Sensitive, Durex Performax, larger-size versions of TheyFit, and Trojan Magnum slightly exceeded the maximum recommended width and should be used only by men who require a larger width.

Fewer brands have spermicide – There’s no reason to choose spermicidal condoms over other kinds. They have no additional benefit in preventing pregnancy, have a shorter shelf life, and may cause urinary-tract infections in young women. Nonoxynol-9, a widely used spermicide, came under scrutiny in 2001 when a report from the World Health Organization warned that if used frequently, it may cause vaginal irritation and might increase the risk of contracting HIV. Though the amount of nonoxynol-9 on a spermicide-lubricated condom is smaller compared with the doses studied in the report, some condom makers, including Durex, have dropped models lubricated with nonoxynol-9. Others, including Trojan and LifeStyles, say they will keep selling them. A LifeStyles spokesman said the company is working with the Food and Drug Administration on the issue of nonoxynol-9.

Special features abound – In our tests, condoms labeled “ultra thin” generally lived up to that claim; all but the Class Act Ultra Thin & Sensitive had thinner walls than most. That’s not the only feature you’ll find. TheyFit condoms (formerly Viva 21st Century Individual Fit), sold at Condomania.com, come in 55 sizes. The Inspiral Lubricated has a raised, wraparound “seashell” tip. Two condoms we tested had a “desensitizing” lubricant that contains the topical anesthetic benzocaine, ostensibly to delay orgasm; another contains a lubricant claimed to “warm” on contact with body fluids.

How to choose?

Any of the top-rated latex condoms, used properly and consistently, offers the best protection from sexually transmitted diseases. To help ensure that the condoms you buy do their job:

  • Don’t buy or use condoms past their expiration date.
  • Never reuse a condom.
  • Store condoms in a cool, dry place, not in a glove compartment or your wallet for an extended length of time.
  • Follow package directions.
  • Open the condom packet with care. Never use scissors, a knife, or your teeth.
  • Use only water-based lubricants, such as Astroglide or K-Y Jelly. Oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, or body lotion can weaken the latex.
  • If you’re allergic to latex and are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, buy condoms made from a synthetic material such as polyurethane. Lambskin is too porous to prevent the transmission of disease.

Related Post

When Should I Have Sex?

The 'simple answer' is that you should have sex when you feel comfortable and ready to do so. But of course, life is rarely ever made sense of with the simple answers! Feelings are not always easy to understand and it can be hard to make sense of how you feel! Whether...

What is the Average Penis Size? Does Size Matter?

The age-old question, "Am I well hung?" Well, before going on to see where you stand, or should we say hang, remember that size isn’t everything. Most women prefer a man with a less then average penis and great at cunnilingus, to a man with a larger penis and no...

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Article in METRO newspaper, June 14 2001. (Found by Helen Watters in 2001) One in five teenagers has an undiagnosed sexually transmitted disease, say doctors in the US. The figure was uncovered by doctors who sent home test kits for various infections to a random...

Seven Things I Wish Pro-Gay People Would Admit.

By: Bob Davies Taken from: http://www.narth.com/ I wish they would admit that many people are not happy with their homosexuality or lesbianism, and that this conflict is internal, based on legitimate, intelligent religious and moral convictions - not just the result...

Homosexuality – A Positive Note.

Today we had a field trip to the local University to learn about HIV/AIDS and there was a fiftyish year old guy there that was HIV positive and he was talking about his growing up in school and he said that he envied our generation because we are much more open than...

In the Grip of Gay Panic. What is This World Coming To?

Taken from: http://www.advocate.com/html/stories/932/932_simpson.asp In the grip of gay panic: "What do the murderers of gay men have in common with the White House? An aggressive strategy to justify their own selfish actions by devaluing the lives of gay men and...

Coming Out Is A Journey. A Small Q & A.

So I always see these topics in the forums where people are looking for the quick fix answers to "coming out." There are none! Coming out is a journey through which all must self navigate, as it is a challenge of fears and based on our own individual experiences. Q:...

Do Not Be Afraid To Be Yourself.

I just wanted to say to those that are out and to those whom are closeted: do not be afraid to be yourself. For a little over 16 years i was who people wanted me to be and i hated it. Day after day of depression because life wasn't good enough and people still thought...

What are Obstetric Ultrasound Scans?

Taken from: http://www.ob-ultrasound.net/ Obstetric Ultrasound is the use of ultrasound scans in pregnancy. Since its introduction in the late 1950's ultrasonography has become a very useful diagnostic tool in Obstetrics. Currently used equipments are known as...