Condoms are one of the oldest form of
contraceptive and the best recognized form of protection against
sexually transmitted diseases. Their use, however, is limited by both behavioral factors and device-related factors, including complaints about decreased sensitivity and sexual enjoyment. To address these limitations, a male
condom made of
polyurethane was developed.
Polyurethane is a strong impermeable material with good heat transfer characteristics that is less susceptible to deterioration during storage than
latex. Because little information is available comparing
polyurethane and
latex condoms in terms of consumer preferences as well as breakage and slippage, we reviewed four pre-marketing studies of
polyurethane condoms, one of which included comparison to
latex. No significant differences in slippage and breakage rates between
latex and
polyurethane condoms were reported in the study that included a
latex comparator, and other studies of
polyurethane condoms alone resulted in rates in the same range as published for
latex condoms. Subjectively, consumers expressed significantly greater preference for the
polyurethane condom over
latex in regard to appearance, lack of smell, likelihood of slippage, comfort, sensitivity, natural look, natural feel, and overall. While additional testing is needed, these preliminary results suggest that the male
polyurethane condom reviewed performed at least as well as
latex condoms and is preferred by consumers. If preference translates to greater use, the male
polyurethane condom may address important barriers that have been linked with inadequate
condom use in the past. These results, however, may not be generalizable to other brands of
polyurethane condom currently under development.