The health authorities of the United States authorized this Wednesday (23) the first specific condoms for anal sex, with the hope of motivating the use of this protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Condoms were already widely used — and strongly recommended — for anal sex, which carries a higher risk of transmitting diseases such as AIDS.
But the US drug agency (FDA) had not yet officially authorized any brand to produce the condom for this specific use due to lack of data, only for vaginal sex.
“FDA authorization of a condom specifically indicated, tested and labeled for anal sex may increase the likelihood that a condom will be used during anal intercourse,” said Courtney Lias, an FDA agent, in a statement.
Until now, studies on anal condom use showed a “failure rate” higher than the required 5%, meaning many condoms fell out of place or broke.
But a new study by independent researchers and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), showed a failure rate of less than 1%.
The condom, produced by the company Global Protection Corp, and which will be marketed under the name One Male Condom, is no different from the others. The best result is mainly due to the use of an adapted lubricant, which reduces friction. The use of a lubricant was therefore included by the FDA in its decision on Wednesday.
About 250 men who are in a relationship with men and 250 who are in a relationship with women participated in the study.
“I think most people would be surprised to learn that condoms are not approved for anal sex,” Davin Wedel, president and founder of Global Protection Corp., said in a statement. “With this new FDA classification, there will be greater confidence in the use of condoms for anal sex,” he added.
According to another study by Emory University, 69% of men who have ongoing relationships with other men would be more likely to use condoms frequently if they have the FDA seal of approval for such use.
This new authorization will allow other manufacturers to file a similar application, the FDA emphasized.
The One Male Condom, identical to the “One” condoms already marketed by the company, will be available in three versions: standard, thin or tight, with 54 sizes available.
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