EFFECTIVENESS OF CONDOMS FOR PREVENTION OF HIV INFECTIONS NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1990. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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EFFECTIVENESS OF CONDOMS FOR PREVENTION OF HIV INFECTIONS

AIDS Updates; 2(6):1-8 1989. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/90665861
Judson FN; Denver Public Health Dept., Denver, CO

Abstract: The potential and actual effectiveness of condoms in prevention of HIV infections is discussed. Emphasis is placed on new information on quality control efforts by manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration, laboratory methods for testing condom permeability to HIV and virucidal activity of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9), clinical and epidemiologic studies of the use of condoms to prevent HIV infections, sales trends, user rates, slippage and breakage rates, and recommendations on proper use of condoms for vaginal and anal intercourse. When used properly, latex condoms should provide an effective physical barrier against HIV transmission; however, even under ideal use conditions, vaginal intercourse with condoms should be viewed as 'very safe,' rather than 'completely safe.' Laboratory studies indicate that concomitant use of spermicides containing N-9 as a back-up chemical barrier may further improve condom efficacy. However, N-9 may have adverse effects on normal mucous membranes. Use effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV infections remains low. This is due in small part to improper use, slippage, and breakage and, in large part, to failure to use them at all. Much effort is needed to improve condom use through enhanced availability and sense of value. (38 Refs)
Keywords: Contraceptive Devices, Male/*STANDARDS Human HIV/PATHOGENICITY HIV Infections/*PREVENTION & CONTROL Male Quality Control JOURNAL ARTICLEKWDcontraceptivedevices,male/KWDstandardshumanhiv/pathogenicityhivinfections/KWDprevention&controlmalequalitycontroljournalarticle
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M90A0677

Copyright © 1990 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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