Source:
AIDS 2003; 17(5):727-731
Authors:
Cristina Renzi; Stephen R. Tabet; Jason A. Stucky; Niles Eaton;
Anne S. Coletti; Christina M. Surawicz; S. Nicholas Agoff; Patrick
J. Heagerty; Michael Gross; Connie L. Celum
Abstract:
Objectives:
To assess safety and acceptability of RealityTM condoms for anal sex among
men who have sex with men.
Methods:
Crossover study among HIV-seroconcordant (33 HIV-negative and 5
HIV-positive) monogamous male couples, randomized to latex male and
Reality condom use with anal sex.
Results:
Slippage with removal was reported more frequently with Reality than male
latex condoms [odds ratio (OR), 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2-5.8
for receptive partners and OR, 34.1; 95% CI, 13.8-84.1 for insertive
partners]. Receptive partners more frequently reported pain or discomfort
(OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.6-9.4) and rectal bleeding (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.9-4.1)
with Reality condoms than male condoms. Over 20% reported willingness to
use the Reality condom in the future with a partner of unknown HIV status;
willingness was associated with past problems with male condoms and no
problems with Reality condoms among receptive partners, and with past use
of Reality condoms and HIV seropositivity among insertive partners.
Conclusions:
Men reported more frequent problems with Reality condoms than male latex
condoms used for anal intercourse, particularly slippage, discomfort, and
rectal bleeding. Design modifications, training, and research on the
clinical significance of safety outcomes are needed for use of Reality
condoms with anal sex.
