Condom effectiveness

Fam Plann Perspect. 1979 Oct;11(5):271.

Abstract

PIP: In answer to the article by Elise Jones focusing on comparisons in the use of the condom and withdrawal in the United States and Britain, it needs to be stated emphatically that the condom should not be associated with withdrawal. Use effectiveness of the condom has been examined in 5 recent United Kingdom independent studies, and they show an average failure rate (Pearl Index) of 3.26/100. In 4 of these studies, the researchers have followed up pregnancies, and the average for method related failure was 0.8/100 woman-years. The most recent and largest United Kingdom study for the diaphragm plus spermicide shows a failure rate of 2.4/100 woman-years. This ratf was based upon married women over the age of 25 with at least 5 months' experience with diaphragm use.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Contraceptive Devices, Male*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy