Many College Men Misuse Condoms

A survey by Condom Hall found that 42 percent of men surveyed failed to leave space at the end of the condom for semen.
The condom vender’s study, conducted in January 2006, surveyed 858 heterosexual males at 18 large universities nationwide.
Laurie Bisset-Grady, director of health education at the Student Health Center at Sacramento State, said the survey’s findings do not surprise her and explained why room at the tip is needed.
“Not leaving a reservoir tip causes the condom to burst under pressure at ejaculation,” Bisset-Grady said.
Condom breakage was reported by 34 percent of respondents, 15 percent said a condom had slipped off during sex and 17 percent of those interviewed admitted that they had taken off a condom before ejaculation.
Also, the study found that 45 percent of respondents had encountered instances when they wanted to use a condom but did not have any available.
“Promoting condom use is great, but it may not be enough,” said Chris Carey, director of Condom Hall, which was founded in 1992. “Sexually active students must know how to use condoms correctly. Condom education is just as important as condom usage,” Carey said.
Bisset-Grady said students need to be aware of how condoms differ.
“Condoms can be like a new pair of shoes: there are different sizes and brands and students need to be aware of this. Just like brushing your teeth, it might seem weird at first but you get used to it,” said Bisset-Grady.
Lubricants can also play an important role when using a condom.
“Petroleum based lubricant can cause latex to thin and eventually break,” Bisset-Grady said.
from The State Hornet