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Background The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that receptive partners in penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) who exercise independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert sexually transmissible infection (STI) transmission or acquisition.Methods: Data were collected through a partnership with Clue, the industry-leading female health app. A brief web-based questionnaire was developed, translated into 10 languages, and made accessible via a URL link sent to Clue users and posted on social media. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥14 years, not being currently pregnant and engaging in PVI and condom use during menses in the past 3 months. The analytical subsample comprised 12889 respondents residing in 146 countries.Results: Twenty per cent indicated independent decision making about condom use during menses. Independent decision making was associated with lower odds of reporting that condoms were used for contraception (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.65; 99% confidence interval (CI) 0.57-0.73) and higher odds that they were used for the prevention of STIs (aOR 1.44; 99% CI 1.28-1.61). A third significant finding pertained to always using condoms during menses; this was less likely among those indicating independent (female only) decision making (aOR 0.69; 99% CI 0.62-0.78). Non-significant associations with another two outcomes were found: protecting the partner against menstrual blood and protecting themselves against semen.Conclusions: Findings from people in 146 countries strongly support the hypothesis that those exercising independent decision making over condom use during menses do so to avert STI transmission or acquisition. That only one-fifth of this global sample reported this type of independent decision making suggests that empowerment-oriented (structural-level) interventions may be advantageous for individuals who are the receptive partner in PVI that occurs during menses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate women's willingness to experiment with new condoms and lubricants, in order to inform condom promotion in a city with high rates of poverty and HIV. One hundred and seventy-three women (85.9% Black) sexually transmitted infection clinic attendees in Jackson, Mississippi, United States completed a questionnaire assessing willingness to experiment with condoms and lubricants and sexual pleasure and lubrication in relation to last condom use. Most women were willing to: (1) experiment with new types of condoms and lubricants to increase their sexual pleasure, (2) touch/handle these products in the absence of a partner, and (3) suggest experimenting with new condoms and lubricants to a sex partner. Previous positive sexual experiences with lubricant during condom use predicted willingness. The role women may play in male condom use should not be underestimated. Clinicians may benefit women by encouraging them to try new types of condoms and lubricants to find products consistent with sexual pleasure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests the relationship between pleasure and condom use during penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI) is associated with relationship status. This online study examined pleasure ratings and condom use at last PVI, stratifying by partner type, among a national sample of Canadian university students. Participants were 715 undergraduates (60.7% women, 39.3% men) who reported on their most recent sexual experience. Condom use decreased with level of relationship commitment, whereas ratings of pleasure increased. Overall, participants were more likely to rate their most recent PVI asVery pleasurablewhen condoms were not used compared to when condoms were used. However, when stratified by partner type, these differences largely disappeared. For women, with one exception, there were no differences in pleasure between PVI with and without condoms across most partner-type categories. Women in committed dating relationships were more likely to report their last PVI as very pleasurable if condoms were not used than women in these same relationships who had used condoms. Across relationship categories, men who did and did not use condoms did not differ in terms of their pleasure ratings. The results of this study suggest relationship context should be taken into account when assessing condom use experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Condom-associated erection problems ( CAEP) are an underestimated factor related to inconsistent or incomplete male condom use. The underlying mechanisms of CAEP are not understood, and whether men who report these difficulties are also likely to experience erectile problems in situations when condoms are not used has not been studied. Aim The aim of the study was to investigate, in a sample of condom-using young, heterosexual men (aged 18-24 years), whether men who report CAEP are more likely to (i) have erection problems when not using condoms and (ii) meet criteria for erectile dysfunction. Methods A total of 479 men recruited online completed the International Index of Erectile Function ( IIEF-5) and answered questions about erection problems experienced when using and not using condoms during the last 90 days. Demographic, sexual experience, and health status variables were investigated as correlates. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported frequency of erection loss during condom application or during penile-vaginal intercourse ( PVI) in the past 90 days and IIEF-5 scores. Results Of the men, 38.4% were classified in the no CAEP group, 13.8% as having CAEP during condom application, 15.7% as having CAEP during PVI, and 32.2% as having CAEP during both condom application and PVI. Men reporting any form of CAEP were significantly more likely than men reporting no CAEP to also report erection difficulties during sexual activity when not using condoms. Men who reported CAEP during PVI only or during both application and PVI scored significantly lower on the IIEF-5 than men without CAEP. Conclusion The findings suggest that men who report CAEP are also more likely to experience more generalized erection difficulties. Clinicians should assess whether men using condoms experience CAEP and where appropriate, refer for psychosexual therapy or provide condom skills education. Sanders SA, Hill BJ, Janssen E, Graham CA, Crosby RA, Milhausen RR, and Yarber WL. General erectile functioning among young, heterosexual men who do and do not report condom-associated erection problems (CAEP). J Sex Med 2015;12:1897-1904. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Background Ample evidence shows that partner sexual communication is related to condom use. Although communication about safer sex may often occur when sexual arousal is high, no studies have examined arousability, one's propensity for sexual arousal and partner sexual communication. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between sexual arousability and partner-related mediators of condom use among African American female adolescents, who have disproportionate risk for HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs).Methods: The study analysed self-reported baseline data from 701 African American females aged 14-20 years participating in a HIV/STI trial. Linear regression models examined associations between arousability and partner-related mediators of condom use (partner sexual communication self-efficacy, partner sexual communication frequency, sex refusal self-efficacy and condom use self-efficacy), controlling for age, impulsivity and relationship power.Results: Greater arousability was significantly associated with reduced levels of each partner communication outcome assessed (partner sexual communication self-efficacy, partner sexual communication frequency and sex refusal self-efficacy) but was not associated with condom use self-efficacy.Conclusions: Arousal and other positive aspects of sex have largely been ignored by HIV/STI prevention efforts, which primarily focus on individual behaviour. A population-level sexual health approach focusing on sexual wellbeing may reduce stigma, facilitate partner sexual communication and be more effective at reducing HIV/STI rates than traditional approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study was to assess self-reported frequencies of selected condom use errors and problems, using a retrospective recall period of 2 months, among young Black men attending sexually transmitted infection clinics. A secondary objective was to determine whether more errors/problems occurred among men reporting sex with multiple partners compared with those reporting one sexual partner. Data were collected in clinics treating patients with sexually transmitted infections in three Southern US cities. Men, 15–23 years of age who identified as Black/African American and reported recent (past 2 months) condom use were eligible (N = 475). Condom use errors and problems were common, with some of the most critical errors occurring for greater than one of every five young Black men, such as late application, early removal, slipping off during sex, and re-using condoms. For 8 (33.3%) of the 24 errors/problems assessed, young Black men reporting more than one sexual partner in the previous 2 months experienced more errors and problems than men reporting only one partner. The disease protective value of condoms may be sub-optimal in this population. A need exists to improve the quality of condom use among young Black men at risk of sexually transmitted infection acquisition or transmission. Intensified clinic-based intervention that helps young Black men improve the quality of their condom use behaviours is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare condom use motives and behaviours in the context of penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) with new versus established sexual partners, using daily event-level data among a clinic-recruited sample. Methods: Participants (ages 15-65 years old) were recruited from five sexually transmissible infection (STI) clinics in three United States cities. They were provided with personal digital assistants and instructed to respond to daily questionnaire items regarding PVI events from the past 24 h. Generalised estimations equations were used to make inferences on age-adjusted estimated odds ratios, comparing events occurring with established versus new partners. Results: For males, pregnancy prevention was a more common motivation for condom use in new relationships (P < 0.001). Males with new sex partners were more likely to report condom use (P < 0.005) and also reported fewer errors or problems in condom use with new sex partners (P < 0.001). For females, pregnancy prevention (P = 0.03), STI acquisition (P < 0.001) and STI transmission (P = 0.005) were more likely to be motives for condom use with new versus established partners. Also, females with new sex partners were more likely to report condom use (P < 0.001) as well as using multiple condoms during a single event (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Event-level findings suggest that condom use motivations and behaviours vary depending on whether PVI occurs between established versus new sex partners. Condom use is more likely for PVI with new partners, but other condom-associated behaviours and motivations differ between females and males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Current HIV prevention programs are often expensive to implement and require significant commitment on the part of participants and staff. These factors limit widespread implementation. Thus, there is an increasingly recognized need to develop and test brief interventions designed to promote safer sex. Methods: This study tested the potential efficacy of a brief, self-guided, home-based intervention to promote consistent and correct condom use among young men by focusing on condom use skill, enjoyment, and self-efficacy. The central focus of The Kinsey Institute ® Homework Intervention Strategy (KIHIS) is that men practice applying, using, and removing condoms alone (a “low pressure” situation) trying various condoms and lubricants. A repeated measures evaluation compared 2-week, 6-week (n =28) and 4-month (n =17) follow-up evaluations to baseline (pre-intervention). Results: Despite the limited sample size, significant post-intervention improvement was found for condom use experiences, confidence in the ability to use condoms, self-efficacy for condom use, and condom comfort as well as a reduction in breakage and erection problems. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the KIHIS, with its inherent potential for easy translation to public health sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics (requiring very little clinic resources), may have lasting and positive effects on subsequent condom use attitudes, skills, and behaviors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Correct and consistent condom use remains the most effective way to reduce sexually transmissible infection/HIV transmission during sex and is a highly effective contraceptive method. Understanding correlates of condom use is vital to public health programs. Aim. To explore sociodemographic, event characteristics, and experiential correlates of condom use at last penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI). Methods. Survey data were collected from a nationally representative probability sample of adults in the United States as part of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior. Main Outcome Measures. Condom use/non-use at most recent PVI was the main outcome. Logistic regression analyses predicted condom use from sociodemographic variables (i.e., age, education, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, health status, type of relationship with sexual partner) and event characteristics (i.e., location of sexual encounter, prior intercourse experience with partner, whether partner had other sex partners in the 6 months prior to sex with the participant; other contraceptive use, alcohol use, marijuana use, and for men, erection medication use). Logistic regression analyses examined evaluations of the sexual aspects of the experience (pleasure, arousal, erection/lubrication difficulty, participant orgasm, partner orgasm) in light of condom use. Results. Condom-protected PVI was significantly greater among younger people, blacks and Hispanics, and those having PVI with a nonrelationship partner. Statistically adjusting for these differences, condom use was significantly associated with fewer previous intercourse experiences with the partner and not using other forms of contraception. The sexual aspects of experience were evaluated similarly regardless of whether or not a condom was used. Conclusion. Public health programs among youths and minorities may underlie higher condom use rates among these groups. Condom use may be further improved by continuing such programs and also expanding outreach to older persons and whites, suggesting prolonging use as relationships develop, and highlighting that condom use does not necessarily interfere with the sexual experience. Sanders SA, Reece M, Herbenick D, Schick V, Dodge B, and Fortenberry JD. Condom use during most recent vaginal intercourse event among a probability sample of adults in the United States. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):362-373. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study conducted in Indiana which examined attitudes about which sexual behaviours constitute having had sex and analyzed the possible mediating factors such as gender, age, giving/receiving stimulation, male ejaculation, female orgasm, condom use or brevity. Attitudes about giving and receiving manual-genital (MG) or oral-genital (OG) stimulation are also analyzed, as well as whether penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) and penile-anal intercourse (PAI) constitute having had sex. The oldest and youngest age groups were less likely to believe that certain behaviours constituted having had sex.

Objective: Investigate incomplete use of condoms which can compromise their efficacy. Methods: 397 female and male undergraduates (18 - 24 years) completed self-administered questionnaires comprehensively assessing condom use errors/problems during the past 3 months as well as several potential correlates of incomplete condom use. Results: 46% reported not using condoms from start to finish of penetrative sex. Those not highly motivated to use condoms were 1.5 times more likely to report incomplete use (P = 0.4). Those who engaged in sex more frequently were 1.9 times more likely to report incomplete use (P = .003). Finally, erection problems during sex were associated with a twofold increase in incomplete use (P = .03). Sex, age, race and the other potential correlates were not significantly related to incomplete use. Conclusion: Health care providers and educators could benefit clients by emphasizing the importance of using condoms throughout sexual activity and by discussing condom-related erection problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exploratory study compared the prevalence of multiple types of condom-associated 'turn offs' in men and women. Nearly 2000 people completed a web-based questionnaire. Data were analysed from 464 men and women who reported that condoms had turned them off the last time they were used. Gender differences were not observed for the majority (9) of 15 turn offs. The most common turn offs related to loss of pleasure. For example, more than three-quarters of the men and nearly 40% of the women reported decreased sexual sensation (P = 0.0001). Putting on condoms was reported by 43.2% of the men versus 30.2% of the women (P = 0.02). Smell was a relatively frequent turn off, with about one-third indicating this issue and no significant gender difference (P = 0.32). Turn offs pertaining to arousal and orgasm were also common. Findings suggest that numerous physical and psychological condom turn offs may be experienced by men and women while using male condoms. Although some turn offs differed as a function of gender, there was remarkable similarity between men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify correlates of women applying condoms. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 533 sexually-active women; questionnaire. Results: Of the condom users (n = 322), 31.7% reported applying condoms at least once-an average on 59.7% of the occasions. Compared to nonappliers, appliers had more positive affect toward sexually related situations (erotophilia, P.004) and a higher frequency of sex (P.003). Condom users, compared to nonusers, were significantly younger (P=.001), were less likely to be in sexually exclusive relationships (P=.001) or married (P.01), and reported more partners in the past 3 months (P=.001). Conclusions: Condom-applying women may have more positive attitudes toward sexuality and engage in a higher frequency of sexual activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anonymous questionnaire was used to explore relationships between condom breakage, slippage and possible correlates in a sample of 428 single, nevermarried college men and women. Specific condom use errors and problems that could lead to breakage and slippage were also examined. A three-month recall period was used. Breakage/slippage was found to be associated with never receiving instruction on correct condom use (P = 0.001), more than one sex partner (P = 0.001) , more frequent use of condoms (P = 0.001), and partner(s) being less than highly motivated to use condoms (P = 0.02). Those reporting that condoms had contacted a sharp object were three times as likely to report breakage (P = 0.001). Those using condoms without proper lubrication (P = 0.006) and those experiencing loss of erection during sex (P = 0.001) were more likely to report slippage. Further research should investigate the efficacy of instruction addressing specific factors that may reduce the incidence of breakage/slippage, thereby enhancing condom effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the relationship between the frequency of being drunk and high during sex, and condom use errors and problems (CUEP) among a sample of high-risk young Black males recruited from the United States. Methods: Data were collected in clinics treating sexually transmissible infections in three cities in the southern United States. Males 15-23 years of age (n = 697) who identified as African-American and reported recent (past 2 months) condom use were eligible. Measures of alcohol and drug use, as well as condom use behaviours were assessed by audio-computer assisted self-interview. Eighteen CUEP were included in this assessment. Results: Sixteen bivariate correlations were obtained. The magnitude of the coefficients was small, ranging from 0.01 to 0.13. Only three were significant. These were positive associations between the frequency of being drunk and the frequency of unprotected vaginal sex, as well as the frequency of the 18-item measure of CUEP. A significant correlation was also found between the frequency of being high during sex and the frequency of unprotected vaginal sex. Adjustments for age did not change the findings. Conclusions: Interventions designed to promote safer sex behaviours among young Black males attending sexually transmissible infection clinics are no more likely to benefit patients through the inclusion of messages and training attempting to dissuade the use of alcohol and drugs before or during sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine whether any of four condom use errors/problems occurred more frequently when condom application was 'rushed' among a clinic-based sample from three US states. Methods A convenience sample (n=512) completed daily electronic assessments including questions about condom use being rushed and also assessed condom breakage, slippage, leakage and incomplete use. Results Of 8856 events, 6.5% (n=574) occurred when application was rushed. When events involved rushed condom application, the estimated odds of breakage and slippage were almost doubled (estimated OR (EOR)=1.90 and EOR=1.86). Rushed application increased the odds of not using condoms throughout sex (EOR=1.33) and nearly tripled the odds of leakage (EOR=2.96). With one exception, all tests for interactions between gender and rushed application and between age and rushed application were not significant (pvalues>0.10). Conclusions This event-level analysis suggests that women and men who perceive that condom application was rushed are more likely to experience errors/problems during the sexual event that substantially compromise the protective value of condoms against disease and pregnancy. Educational efforts emphasising the need to allow ample time for condom application may benefit this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Male condom use in conjunction with other contraceptives increases protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. However, few analyses contextualize dual method use within the sexual episode, include reports from men or explore gendered patterns in reporting. Study design We analyzed dual method use patterns using a nationally representative dataset of 18–44 years old in the US ( N =404 men, 416 women). Respondents indicated contraceptive methods used at last penile–vaginal intercourse, condom practices and relationship and sexual information about that particular partner. Results More than one-in-three penile–vaginal intercourse episodes (40%) involved male condom use: 28% condom only and 12% condom plus a highly effective method. Dual method reporting did not differ significantly by gender. Among dual method users, only 59% reported condom use during the entire intercourse episode, while 35% began intercourse without one and 6% removed the condom during intercourse. A greater proportion of men than women reported incorrect use of condoms (49% versus 35%), though this difference was not statistically significant. Only 50% of dual method users reported condom use in all of their last 10 intercourse episodes. Conclusions Many people classified as “dual users” in previous studies may not be using dual methods consistently or correctly. Researchers and practitioners should inquire how and how often condoms are used when assessing and addressing dual method use. Furthermore, though men have rarely been surveyed about dual method use, they can provide consistent contraceptive estimates and may be more likely to report condom practices such as late application or early removal. Implications statement Many US women and men reporting dual method use also reported late application and early removal of condoms, as well as multiple condom-less prior sexual acts with that partner. Clinicians may wish to inquire how and how often clients use condoms; they may also wish to provide condom instruction and/or tips on better integrating condoms into the sexual experience with one's partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To determine, among a sample of young black male (YBM), whether female application of male condoms for penile-vaginal intercourse would be associated with higher or lower rates of breakage or slippage. A secondary aim was to investigate if higher rates of breakage or slippage were associated with increased odds of acquiring chlamydia and/or gonorrhea. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 412 YBM, aged 15 to 23 years, was conducted in three US cities located in the Southern United States. RESULTS: Among YBM reporting frequent female application of condoms, 43.5% reported one or more instance of breakage or slippage, compared with those reporting less frequent female application (27.2%, P = .003). Among YBM reporting one or more event of breakage or slippage, 25.4% tested positive for chlamydia and/or gonorrhea. In contrast, among those not reporting breakage or slippage, 17.2% tested positive (P = .047). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that educational and behavioral interventions should seek to improve young women's skills relative to condom application and use. Further studies could also investigate whether intervention efforts should encourage some YBM to be responsible for their own condom application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism destinations provide unique social contexts which foster sexual risk-taking. Banff, Alberta, Canada is one such destination with high rates of STI and risk-taking, particularly among tourism workers (TWs).Twenty-five TWs (14 women and 11 men) completed a single session intervention designed to promote the consistent and correct use of condoms. The intervention, comprised of motivational and skills-based training and the provision of a range of high-quality condoms and lubricants, was delivered in a one-to-one format in community settings. Pre- and post-intervention (three weeks following) paper and pencil questionnaires were administered. Sexual experience barriers to condom use significantly decreased (P <.001) after the intervention and confidence in condom use negotiation (P =.005) significantly increased. Confidence in using condoms without loss of pleasure (P =.001) also significantly increased. The number of condom use errors significantly decreased (P <.001). All except two of the behavioral outcomes were also significant: TWs were more likely to discuss condom use before having sex (P =.025), more likely to report condom use the last time sex occurred (P =.005), and more likely to add lubrication to condoms for penile-vaginal sex (P =.027). Significant changes in frequency of unprotected penile-anal sex and frequency of unprotected penile-vaginal sex were not observed; however a large effect size was observed relative to decreases in unprotected penile-vaginal sex. Together the behavioural outcomes and psychosocial outcomes suggest the potential utility for this single session program to be applied in other tourist destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Most research on men's use of commercial lubricants during sexual activities is in the context of condom use and often specifically among men who have sex with men. Less is known about men's use of lubricants associated with a broader range of sexual experiences. Aims The aims of this study are to document the prevalence of commercial lubricant use among adult U. S. men (age 18+), to document men's use of lubricants across solo and partnered sexual behaviors, and to assess men's perceptions of the contributions lubricants have to the sexual experience. Methods Data are from the 2012 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, which involved the administration of an online questionnaire to a nationally representative probability sample of U. S. adults ages 18 and older. Main Outcome Measures Sociodemographic characteristics, recent and lifetime commercial lubricant use, lubricant use during specific sexual behaviors, frequency of lubricant use, and reasons for lubricant use. Results Most men in the United States (70%, N = 1,014) reported having used a commercial lubricant, with men older than 24 and those in a relationship more likely to report lubricant use. About one in four men had used a lubricant in the past 30 days. Intercourse was the most common behavior during which men used lubricant, though solo masturbation and partnered sexual play were also frequently linked to lubricant use. The most common reasons for lubricant use included 'to make sex more comfortable,' 'for fun,' 'curiosity,' and 'my partner wanted to.' Conclusions Most American men have used a lubricant; lubricant use is common across all age groups, and some of the most common reasons why men report using lubricants have to do with sexual enhancement, comfort, and pleasure. Clinicians may find these data helpful to their efforts to educate patients about lubricant use, comfort during sex, and sexual enhancement. Reece M, Herbenick D, Schick V, Sanders SA, and Fortenberry JD. Men's use and perceptions of commercial lubricants: Prevalence and characteristics in a nationally representative sample of American adults. J Sex Med 2014;11:1125-1135. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young adult Canadians of university age are highly sexually active compared to other age groups and are at relatively high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI). It is therefore important to comprehensively assess condom use in this age group. In this study, the prevalence and individual predictors of condom use at last penile vaginal intercourse (PVI) were assessed in a national sample of 653 Canadian university students (252 male, 401 female). Overall, less than half of students (47.2%) reported condom use at last PVI. Condom use was higher among men (55.4%) than women (42.3%). For both men and women, the most frequently cited main reason for having used a condom was birth control. In multivariate analyses, the strongest predictor of condom use at last PVI was a preference for condoms as a contraceptive method; specifically, men and women who stated condoms were their preferred method were 9 and 23 times, respectively, more likely to use condoms at last PVI than those who selected another method. Female students who reported that their most recent sexual encounter occurred with a more committed partner (e.g., committed dating versus a hook-up) had slightly lower odds of reporting condom use at last PVI. The results indicated that rates of condom use are low among Canadian university students and that many students are likely at high risk for STI. Interventions to raise awareness of STIs are needed on Canadian university campuses and educational programs should emphasize improving attitudes towards condoms in addition to developing sexual health knowledge and condom use skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Data on adolescents' sexual and condom use behaviors provides an empirical basis for a range of social, educational, clinical, and public health endeavors. Aims. This study has two purposes: to describe the recent and lifetime prevalence of a variety of sexual behaviors; and, to describe factors associated with condom use at last penile-vaginal intercourse. Methods. Data included those from male (N = 414) and female (N = 406) adolescents (ages 14-17 years) from a nationally representative probability sample. Survey items addressed occurrence (past 90 days, past year, lifetime) of solo masturbation, partnered masturbation, oral sex given to a partner, oral sex received from a partner, vaginal intercourse, and anal intercourse. Participants reporting partnered sexual behaviors in the past year completed additional items about condom use, location of sex, partner characteristics, other sexual behaviors, and alcohol or marijuana use at the most recent sexual event. Main Outcome Measures. Adjusted rates (by gender) of sexual behaviors, and characteristics of most recent vaginal sex event as a function of condom use/non-use. Results. Lifetime prevalence of solo masturbation was common for males (80%) and females (48%). Lifetime prevalence of penile-vaginal sex increased with each year of age for both adolescent men and women; however, penile-vaginal sex within the previous 90 days was much less frequently reported. Rates of condom use for penile-vaginal sex were 80% for males and 69% for females. Lifetime anal sex rates were 4.7% for males and 5.5% for females. Conclusion. Sexual behavior among adolescents was more prevalent and diverse in older adolescent cohorts. Condom use for penile-vaginal intercourse was reported for a majority of events. Fortenberry JD, Schick V, Herbenick D, Sanders SA, Dodge B, and Reece M. Sexual behaviors and condom use at last vaginal intercourse: A national sample of adolescents ages 14 to 17 years. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):305-314. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Given the efficacy of latex condoms for preventing pregnancy, HIV, and most STI, their promotion remains central to global sexual health efforts. To inform the development of accurate and appropriately-targeted interventions, there is a need for contemporary condom use rates among specific populations. Aims. The purpose of this study was to establish rates of condom use among sexually active individuals in the U.S. population. Methods. Data were collected via a national probability sample of 5,865 U.S. adolescents and adults aged 14 to 94 years. Main Outcome Measures. Condom use was assessed during the most recent partnered vaginal or anal sexual event and over the past 10 vaginal and anal intercourse events. Results. Condom use by men during past 10 vaginal intercourse events was slightly higher (21.5%) than that reported by women (18.4%), and consistent with rates of condom use reported during most recent vaginal intercourse by men (24.7%) and women (21.8%). Adolescent men reported condom use during 79.1% of the past 10 vaginal intercourse events, adolescent women reported use during 58.1% of the same. Condom use during past 10 anal intercourse events was higher among men (25.8%) than women (13.2%); the same was observed for most recent anal intercourse event (26.5% for insertive men, 44.1% for receptive men, and 10.8% for receptive women). Generally, condom use was highest among unmarried adults, higher among adolescents than adults, and higher among black and Hispanic individuals when compared with other racial groups. Conclusion. These data indicate clear trends in condom use across age, gender, relationship status, and race/ethnicity. These contemporary rates of condom use will be helpful to those who lead efforts to increase condom use among individuals who may be at risk for sexually transmitted infections or who desire to prevent pregnancy. Reece M, Herbenick D, Schick V, Sanders SA, Dodge B, and Fortenberry JD. Condom use rates in a national probability sample of males and females ages 14 to 94 in the United States. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):266-276. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various topics within the issue including sexual behaviors, use of condoms in age group of 14-94 years and sexual events.