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Filed under: Health, Lifestyle, National News
Tue. November 3, 2009 11:11:22 AM
More Than 15,500 condoms subjected to CR's tough tests -- which condom gives users the safest sex
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Yonkers, N.Y. — Consumer Reports Health has some good news you can take right to the bedroom. That is, once you make a stop at the pharmacy.
In its latest tests of 20 latex condoms, Consumer Reports Health found that all of the condoms, with one exception, are a fine choice. Consumer Reports Health tested the condoms for strength, reliability, leakage, and package integrity. The December report appears in Consumer Reports' annual "Electronics Issue."
Seven condoms achieved a perfect score of 100, a somewhat rare occurrence for Consumer Reports' stringent lab tests. Those condoms include the following models: Durex Performax; Lifestyles Ultra Sensitive Lubricated; Lifestyles Warming Pleasure; Trojan Her Pleasure Ecstasy; Trojan Magnum Lubricated; Trojan Ultra Ribbed Ecstasy; and Trojan Ultra Thin.
Consumer Reports Health purchased more than 15,500 condoms in order to test between five hundred and six hundred samples of each model. Consumer Reports Health tests for reliability and strength by inflating condoms with air until
they burst. Performance is assessed against two criteria: how many samples meet or exceed the specified requirements for pressure and volume at burst, and in its more stringent criterion, counting the number of samples that can hold 25 liters or more of air, a measure that's been correlated with lower rates of condom failure in actual use.
Consumer Reports Health also performed two submersion tests to look for possible leaks in the condom and its packaging. Consumer Reports Health notes that the Night Light Glow in the Dark condom exceeded the organization's criterion for the number of samples with holes; however, this model did live up to its illumination claim.
Consumer Reports Health notes that consumers will get the most protection with any condom by using it properly.
Consumer Reports Health did not conduct an ease of use test on the condoms it tested.
If you have vaginal or anal sex, use a latex condom. Use a condom or a dental dam (a square of latex) if you have oral sex. A condom will keep the virus, which can be found in semen or vaginal fluids, from getting into your body. Always use a latex condom; lambskin condoms don't protect you from HIV. Always use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly or Foreplay. Oil-based lubricants, like vegetable oil, hand lotion, or petroleum jelly (Vaseline), can make the condom break. It is best to use a lubricant that does not contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Research shows that nonoxynol-9 does not protect against HIV, and in fact, may cause irritation that can make it easier for HIV to be transmitted.
(Source: AIDS Foundation of Chicago)
HIV/AIDS Resources:
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
AFC is a local and national leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Access their site for advocacy, public policy, and latest news on treatment and prevention issues.
Howard Brown Health Center
Howard Brown is now one of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) organizations. Howard Brown is a multi-site operation based in Chicago and includes a main health and research center in the Uptown neighborhood, Triad Health practice at Illinois Masonic Hospital, the Broadway Youth Center, and three Brown Elephant Resale shops in Chicago and Oak Park.
Test Positive Aware Network
TPAN empowers people living with HIV through peer-led programming, support services, information dissemination, and advocacy. They also provide services to the broader community to increase HIV knowledge and sensitivity, and to reduce the risk of infection.
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