Call for NHS to offer 'range of condoms'

The Family Planning Association has called on the NHS to provide a wider selection of condoms in different sizes and shapes.

In a statement released to mark the beginning of Sexual Health Week, the FPA warned that condoms that do not fit properly are more likely to tear or come off, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

A survey of 500 people, conducted by the FPA, found that 35% of current or past users of condoms had experienced a condom splitting or coming off during sex. However, nearly two thirds of this group did not know why this had happened or what had gone wrong with its use.

However, a quarter of respondents said that they did not know that condoms came in different widths and lengths. The FPA said that studies had shown that one of the influencing factors in condoms splitting or slipping was because they did not fit properly.

The FPA also found that 43% of men and women did not talk about condom sizes because they got embarrassed talking about penis size.

However, the FPA said that finding the right fit could improve confidence in the the method, while a poor fit could reduce sexual pleasure and contribute to negative views of condoms.

Commenting on the findings, Toni Bellfield, the FPA's Director of Information, said: "Men come in different shapes and sizes and so do condoms. Problems such as condoms splitting or coming off are directly related to people choosing the wrong size and shape or not using them correctly. When this happens, people lose trust and confidence in the method. As a direct consequence, people are far more likely to use condoms erratically or stop using them altogether.

"We receive many calls from our national helpline from people about condoms. Improved information and choice is vital to enable men and women to use condoms consistently and confidently. If used properly, condoms are highly effective in preventing pregnancy and many STIs. As a powerful way of protecting public health, the reasons why some people experience problems using condoms needs to be explored."

The FPA also called on health professionals to talk to clients about condoms during consultations and tackle some of the embarrassment that exists around condom use.

(KMcA/SP)