Condoms: Materials, Design and Ongoing Research

Condoms are barrier devices used during sexual activity to reduce the chance of pregnancy and to lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. They are among the most widely available methods of this kind and are sold in pharmacies, grocery stores, vending machines and online, and are distributed free through many public health programs.

Despite their long history, the design has changed relatively little in decades, which has prompted periodic calls from public health groups and funders for new approaches.

Types and materials

External condoms, worn on the penis, and internal condoms, placed in the vagina or anus, are the two main forms. Most external condoms are made of latex. Polyurethane and polyisoprene versions exist for people with latex allergies. Lambskin condoms are also sold, but they are generally described as providing less protection against viral infections because of the natural structure of the material.

A brief history

Sheaths of animal membrane and linen are documented from earlier centuries. Rubber condoms appeared in the nineteenth century after the vulcanization process was developed, and thinner latex products became common in the twentieth century. Until 1969, advertising and sale of contraceptives were restricted under the Criminal Code of Canada, which shaped how they were distributed and discussed.

Effectiveness and regulation

Effectiveness figures are usually reported separately for perfect use and typical use. The gap between the two reflects real-world factors such as breakage, slippage and inconsistent use. Health Canada regulates condoms as medical devices, which means manufacturers face standards for quality and labelling before products reach the market.

Efforts to improve design

Researchers and funders have invited designers to develop condoms that offer the same protection with fewer drawbacks. Commonly cited objections include reduced sensation, interruption of the moment and fit. Proposed directions include thinner or stronger materials, new shapes, and coatings that add features. Whether a product is chosen over no protection at all is a recurring question in this work, since a device that is more acceptable to users may prevent more infections in practice than a more effective one that is used less often.