Relationship between condom strength and failure during use.

The relationship between condom strength and failure during use was examined in six volunteers using artificially deteriorated condoms. Samples of each condom set exposed to ultraviolet light for three to eleven hours were tested for strength by air burst procedures. The remaining condoms were used by volunteers protected from pregnancy by other means. Burst pressure fell to 35% and burst volume to 17% of untreated levels after six hours of ultraviolet exposure. A maximum mean breakage rate during use of 30% was obtained at this time, although individuals experienced breakage rates up to 70% at this stage of deterioration. No failures occurred during use until condoms had deteriorated by more than 25%. Conclusions were: 1) that burst test parameters can effectively and sensitively measure changes in condom strength, 2) that condoms produced to western industrial standards carry a wide margin of strength over and above the minimum required for effective use, 3) that stored condoms should not necessarily be thrown out if they are uniform in strength but fall below original acceptance standards.