In April 1987, the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration wrote to the manufacturers of condoms. They explained that due to the AIDS epidemic “it has become very important that users be fully aware mat latex condoms provide protection, but do not guarantee it, and that protection is lost if condoms are not used properly.”
Since the 1960s, the FDA has conducted random unannounced tests of sample condoms from domestic and foreign manufacturers. If more than 4 out of 100 are found defective, the entire batch is rejected. During year ending April 1988, 41 out of 204 batches of latex condoms failed to meet government standards, just over 20 percent. And just under a third of them were made in the U.S.
Condoms are tested for tensile strength and water leakage, possible pinholes or tears. But the FDA tests take place under pre-set laboratory conditions. There are no data for the failure rate when used in real-life situations. Real life has a habit of not conforming to pre-set and carefully monitored conditions. It is likely the results would be very different from FDA tests. Health professionals promote the use of condoms as “safe sex”. In an epidemic of STD and AIDS, this is understandable. Any method which offers protection should be made known. Yet a condom may not be put on properly. It may break. It may not be worn from the beginning to the end of sexual activity. And whether it is used properly or not, a defective one is worse than useless.
The high failure rate of the laboratory tests highlights the fact that condoms do not provide 100 percent protection. Consider what health professionals know only too well - that condoms do not ensure total protection against AIDS, STD, pregnancy or anything else.
Symptoms of Disease
The symptoms of AIDS and STD vary. Visit the physician or clinic if any of the following appear. They may not signify STD, but they show something is wrong which needs to be put right. If there is a recent change of partner, or other high risk behavior, it may be an infection. The sooner an STD is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and cure. Pay attention to:
- Abnormal discharge or unusual fluid from the penis.
- Pain, burning or frequency at urination.
- Any itching on the genitals or around the anus.
- Sores, blisters, or bumps on genital skin or the anal area which may or may not be painful.
- Enlarged lymph glands in the groin area.
- Pain during intercourse.
Over the next few days Dr. Strangelove will finish his first article for Menshealthdirect.com and we will bring you even more information. Until then, stay strong and healthy!