Horizons Projects | Comparison of Male and Female Condoms in Preventing Exposure to Semen During Typical Use

HORIZONS PROJECT
Comparison of Male and Female Condoms in Preventing Exposure to Semen During Typical Use

This cross-over study: (1) compared a male condom vs. female condom with respect to self-reported mechanical and acceptability problems and semen exposure using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as a biomarker; and (2) evaluated the effect of an educational intervention on self-reported problems and semen exposure, by condom type.

Four hundred women attending a family planning clinic in Brazil were given two female condoms and two male condoms. The women were randomized and either received in-clinic instruction or were encouraged to read the condom package insert. The investigators measured the rates of self-reported user problems with male condom and female condom use and the rates of semen exposure during use (assessed by testing vaginal fluid for PSA).

The results showed the educational intervention group reported fewer problems with either condom as compared with the control group. In both groups, self-reported problems were more frequent with female condom use than with male condom use. The educational intervention did not significantly reduce semen exposure. Overall, semen exposure occurred more frequently with female condom use than with male condom use; the difference, however, was small and nonsignificant for high PSA levels.

This study concluded that the female condom was less effective than the male condom in preventing semen exposure during use and led more frequently to self-reported user problems. But both devices were highly protective against “high-level” semen exposure, as measured by postcoital PSA levels in vaginal fluid. In-clinic education may reduce user problems and increase acceptability and use of both devices.

Location

Campinas, Brazil

Duration

August 1999–June 2002

Horizons and Population Council researchers

Johannes van Dam, Loren Galvão, Juan Díaz

Non-Council collaborators

Roger Castilho, Nadia Marchi, Laurione Oliveira (University of Campinas)

Maurizio Macaluso, Dhong-jin Kim (CDC)

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources
Horizons and Population Council researchers' names appear in boldface type.

2005
Galvão, L.W., L.C. Oliveira, J. Díaz, D.J. Kim, N. Marchi, J. van Dam, R.F. Catilho, M. Chen, and M. Macaluso. 2005. “Effectiveness of female and male condoms in preventing exposure to semen during vaginal intercourse: A randomized trial,” Contraception 71(2): 130–136. (abstract)