Paper Title
Do Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors Protect Against Condom-Associated Erection Loss and Condom Slippage?
Keywords
- Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5i)
- Condoms
- Condom Use
- Condom-Associated Erection Loss
- Condom Slippage
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Condom Breakage
- Condom Application
- Condom Removal
- Sexual Health
- Condom Fit
- Condom Feel
- Condom Use Problems
- Penile-Vaginal Intercourse
- Penile-Anal Intercourse
- Condom Skills Education
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Risk
- Psychosexual Therapy
- Erectile Function
- Sexual Enhancement
- Condom-Related Barriers
Journal
Research Impact Tools
Publication Info
Volume: 6 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 1451-1456
Published On
January, 2012
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Abstract
Introduction Some physicians prescribe phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for men who experience condom-associated erection difficulties with a view to increasing condom use and reducing risk of sexually transmitted infections. Aim To examine whether the prevalence of erection-related condom problems differs between men using and not using PDE5i at the last condom-protected penile–vaginal (PVI) or penile–anal intercourse. Methods Seven hundred-five men who had used a male condom during the past 3 months for PVI were selected from a sample recruited through advertisement to an electronic mailing list for a large, internet-based, sexual-enhancement product company. An internet-based questionnaire posted in 2006 assessed condom-use errors and problems. Main Outcome Measures Men who did and did not use PDE5i during the last time a condom was used were compared on: (i) erection loss while applying a condom; (ii) erection loss during sex while using a condom; (iii) condom slipped off during sex; (iv) delayed condom application (penetration of the vagina or anus prior to application of the male condom); (v) early condom removal (condom taken off and intercourse continued without it); (vi) “problem with the way the condom fit”; (vii) “problem with the way the condom felt”; and (viii) condom breakage. Results Controlling for age, marital status (yes/no), and having children (yes/no), PDE5i users, compared with nonusers, were: (i) three times more likely to report erection loss during sex while using a condom (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40–7.39, P = 0.006); (ii) almost five times more likely to report the condom slipped off during sex (AOR = 4.75, 95% CI = 1.68–13.44, P = 0.003); and (iii) more than twice as likely to remove condoms before sex was over (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.09–5.56, P = 0.03). Conclusions Physicians prescribing PDE5i may want to evaluate whether men are experiencing condom-associated erection difficulties and, if they are, consider titrating dosages and/or making referrals for psychosexual therapy and/or condom skills education.
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