Online purchases of an expanded range of condom sizes in comparison to current dimensional requirements allowable by US national standards
Michael Cecil A D , Lee Warner B and Aaron J. Siegler C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A TheyFit, Covington, GA 30014, USA.
B Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
C Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30031, USA.
D Corresponding author. Email: drmichael@drmichael.com
Sexual Health 10(5) 408-413 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH13049
Submitted: 25 September 2012 Accepted: 25 May 2013 Published: 15 July 2013
Abstract
Background: Across studies, 35–50% of men describe condoms as fitting poorly. Rates of condom use may be inhibited in part due to the inaccessibility of appropriately sized condoms. As regulated medical devices, condom sizes conform to national standards such as those developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or international standards such as those developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). We describe the initial online sales experience of an expanded range of condom sizes and assess uptake in relation to the current required standard dimensions of condoms. Methods: Data regarding the initial 1000 sales of an expanded range of condom sizes in the United Kingdom were collected from late 2011 through to early 2012. Ninety-five condom sizes, comprising 14 lengths (83–238 mm) and 12 widths (41–69 mm), were available. Results: For the first 1000 condom six-pack units that were sold, a total of 83 of the 95 unique sizes were purchased, including all 14 lengths and 12 widths, and both the smallest and largest condoms. Initial condom purchases were made by 572 individuals from 26 countries. Only 13.4% of consumer sales were in the ASTM’s allowable range of sizes. Conclusions: These initial sales data suggest consumer interest in an expanded choice of condom sizes that fall outside the range currently allowable by national and international standards organisations.
Additional keywords: AIDS, American Society for Testing and Materials, condom fit, safer sex, sexually transmissible infections.
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