AEGiS-14IAC: Structural integrity of the polyurethane female condom after multiple cycles of disinfection, washing, drying and re-lubrication.

14th International AIDS Conference


Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

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Structural integrity of the polyurethane female condom after multiple cycles of disinfection, washing, drying and re-lubrication.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. TuOrD1233)

Potter W, Gerofi J, Pope M, Farley TM
Stapleford Scientific Services, Cambridge, United Kingdom

BACKGROUND: The female condom is an alternative means to protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections for women, particularly in situations where partners are reluctant or refuse to use male condoms. The high cost of the device is a barrier to use in resource-poor settings. Some re-use has been reported and two small studies have shown that female condoms can withstand a limited level of re-use without excessive loss of structural integrity when washed with soap and water. A WHO/UNAIDS consultation on female condom reuse in June 2000 recommended that all used female condoms should be disinfected immediately after use before washing. The effect of disinfection on the physical properties of female condoms was unknown. Objectives and

METHODS: To assess the effect of repeated disinfection, washing, drying and re-lubrication, 300 condoms from each of 3 batches were subjected to 7 cycles before testing according to quality assurance (QA) procedures for newly manufactured condoms. Samples of untreated condoms from the same batches (controls) were similarly tested.

RESULTS: Treated condoms showed slight discoloration. 3/600 condoms had holes compared with 0/834 with holes in the original QA samples (P=0.07). Mean peak inflation pressure, burst pressure and burst volume decreased by 6%, 12% and 10%, respectively (P<0.001). Maximum elongation at break increased by 18%. Minor changes in seam tensile strength were noted. After treatment all batches complied with the product release specification.

CONCLUSION: After 7 cycles of disinfection, washing and relubrication female condoms met original QA requirements. Nonetheless there was evidence of a decrease in physical properties, and a suggestion of an increase in the number of holes. Excessive or rough handling appears to damage the condom. Condoms should be handled carefully and inspected for signs of damage after disinfection, washing and drying before being stored with the intention of subsequent re-use.

Keywords: AEGIS, Condoms, Female, Lubrication, Polyurethanes, Disinfection, Condoms, Desiccation, HIV Infections, Pressure, Tensile Strength, Human, Female, Male, Ethics, methodsKWDaegis,condoms,female,lubrication,polyurethanes,disinfection,condoms,desiccation,hivinfections,pressure,tensilestrength,human,female,male,ethics,methods

020707
TuOrD1233

Copyright © 2002 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.