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The purpose of this study was to understand how bear identity influenced condom use during the last anal sex event. Participants were recruited to complete an online, anonymous self-report survey through bear-related sexual and social networking websites. A total of 1,080 men who identified as gay or bisexual and as a member of the bear community and were 18 years or older completed the survey. Overall, fewer than a third of men reported condom use during the most recent receptive (28%) and insertive (30%) anal sex event. Men in bear concordant pairings were less likely to use a condom during receptive and insertive anal sex compared to those is discordant pairings (p < .05). Findings suggest that bear identity concordance influences condom use during anal sex after accounting for an individual's relationship to their most recent partner as well as other confounding variables.

Differences in risk behaviours between men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW) have important implications for HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission. We examined differences in risk behaviours, HIV/STI testing, self-reported HIV/STI diagnoses, and linkage to HIV care between MSM and MSMW across China. Participants were recruited through three MSM-focused websites in China. An online survey containing items on socio-demographics, risk behaviours, testing history, self-reported HIV/STI diagnosis, and linkage to and retention in HIV care was completed from September to October 2014. Chi square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted. MSMW were less likely to use a condom during last anal sex (p ≤ 0.01) and more likely to engage in group sex (p ≤ 0.01) and transactional sex (p ≤ 0.01) compared to MSM. Self-reported HIV/STI testing and positivity rates between MSM and MSMW were similar. Among HIV-infected MSM, there was no difference in rates of linkage to or retention in antiretroviral therapy when comparing MSM and MSMW. Chinese MSM and MSMW may benefit from different HIV and STI intervention and prevention strategies. Achieving a successful decrease in HIV/STI epidemics among Chinese MSM and MSMW will depend on the ability of targeted and culturally congruent HIV/STI control programmes to facilitate a reduction in risk behaviours., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Objectives: Assessments of sexual safety often rely on questions about the occurrence of condom use within a designated timeline, assuming that penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) occurred once at the conclusion of the event. An investigation of all sexual acts and safety strategies that occur during a single event may present a more nuanced picture of sexual risk., Methods: Behaviourally, bisexual women (N=45) were recruited due to the potential diversity of their sexual behaviour and safety strategies. A modified timeline follow-back method, the SEQUENCE Calendar, was designed to capture information about the participants' most recent sexual event with a male partner, including the order of each sexual act during the sexual event. Interviews took between 1 and 3 h. These acts were compiled into narratives and the behavioural sequences were reviewed and coded., Results: Participants reported an average of 7.9 (SD=4.3) sexual acts. Over a third (35.9%, N=14) of the participants who reported PVI indicated engaging in genital contact after PVI and over 15% (N=6) of these participants reporting PVI at two different time points, separated by sexual behaviour. Additional potential for infection outside of condom use and PVI was also identified., Conclusions: Sexual interactions are comprised of multiple acts that occur in a variety of permutations. Understanding the complexity of people's sexual encounters has potential to inform the ways we measure condom use and consider sexual safety., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/)

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) research has primarily focused on heterosexual couples but has largely ignored IPV among men who have sex with men (MSM). We examined IPV prevalence among MSM and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) in China., Methods: Men who have sex with men older than 16 years were recruited through 3 MSM-focused Web sites in China. An online survey containing items on sociodemographics, risk behaviors, IPV, and self-reported HIV or sexually transmitted infection diagnosis was completed. Multivariate regression was used to examine associations between IPV and risk behaviors and an HIV or sexually transmitted infection diagnosis., Results: Among 610 participants, 182 (29.8%) reported experiencing at least 1 type of IPV. Men who have sex with both men and women were at significantly greater risk for IPV (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.53) compared with MSM. Men who had experienced IPV were more likely to have participated in group sex (AOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.08-3.21), to have had sex in exchange for gifts or money (AOR, 5.06; 95% CI, 2.47-10.35), and to report a positive HIV diagnosis (AOR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.22-5.51)., Conclusions: There is a hidden epidemic of IPV among MSM in China, especially among MSMW. The hidden nature of MSM and MSMW suggests the need for a clinical environment more conducive to disclosure. Research is needed to understand the pathways linking IPV and HIV risk among MSM to optimize the design of effective interventions.

Most previous studies of the sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV are based on samples recruited within relatively urban and suburban areas of the United States. Using an internet-based questionnaire, we assessed HIV-related stigma, loneliness, and event-level sexual behaviors in a sample of HIV positive MSM (n = 100) residing within a largely rural area in the Midwestern United States. HIV-related stigma was correlated with loneliness (r = 0.619, p < 0.01). Loneliness was negatively associated with condom usage with the most recent partner of unknown status (p < 0.05). Namely, a 1-unit increase in the UCLA loneliness score was met with a 10% decrease in odds of condom usage. Further studies are warranted that explore loneliness, within the context of HIV-related stigma, among HIV-positive MSM residing in rural areas. More refined data will inform clinical and social service practice, as they provide much-needed information on sexual health outcomes and experiences of an often underserved and under studied population.

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., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Despite the wealth of literature addressing sexual practices and condom use among men and women, very little data are available among Hispanic/Latino populations and in the Caribbean Region. This study adds to the existing literature on sexual practices and condom use in Puerto Rico (PR) and provides comparisons based on sex given the need for more current information on the sexual characteristics and condom use rates among understudied populations., Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the rates of sexual practices and condom use among adults, aged 21-49, in PR., Methods: We report the prevalence of lifetime and recent (past 3 months) sexual practices by sex, as event-level condom use rates, and condom familiarity and accessibility in an online-based sample of adult men and women in PR., Main Outcome Measures: The main variables assessed include sociodemographic characteristics, solo and partnered sexual practices, and condom use frequencies, as well as familiarity and accessibility to male and female condoms., Results: Overall, 93% of the sample reported having been sexually active (engaged in oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex) in their lifetime and 78% reported sexual practices in the past 3 months. As in other studies Hispanic/Latino populations, reported rates of anal intercourse (AI) among both men and women were relatively high. Overall, a greater proportion of men reported condom use during all sexual practices (41% vaginal intercourse (VI); 65% receptive AI; 46% insertive AI) than women (22% VI; 18% AI)., Conclusions: These findings provide current sexual practice and condom use frequency rates that can aid in the understanding of the particular sexual health needs of Hispanic/Latino populations as well as of other groups in the Caribbean. It also serves for the development of future studies and sexual health promotion programs, including comprehensive sexual health care., (© 2014 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

Although frequently cited as being at high risk for HIV/STI transmission, little is known about behaviorally bisexual men's patterns and experiences of condom use and nonuse with male and female sexual partners. Using a variety of recruitment techniques informed by a Community Advisory Committee, a total of 77 behaviorally bisexual men were recruited from Indianapolis, Indiana to participate in semi-structured interviews focused on sexual health. Qualitative data were collected containing detailed information on their patterns and experiences of condom use and nonuse with both male and female partners. Participants described numerous commonly reported barriers for consistent condom use, as well as distinct bisexual-specific barriers. The majority reported consistent condom use with male and female casual partners, but many who did not use condoms described doing so in the context of ongoing relationships. In addition, participants provided reasons for condom use and nonuse that varied based on the gender of the partner and the type of relationship with the partner. Future interventions focused on increasing condom use among behaviorally bisexual men should take into account the unique complexities of gender and relationship configurations in this distinct population.

Introduction: Although most Americans have used condoms and/or lubricant during sex, little is known about the context of sexual events that involve the use of such products outside of experimentally manipulated studies., Aims: To assess, in a nationally representative study of men and women in the United States ages 18-59, the characteristics of condom and lubricant use during participants' most recent sexual event and the relationship of their condom and lubricant use to event-level ratings of sexual quality., Methods: Data are from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, which involved the administration of an online questionnaire to a nationally representative probability sample of the U.S. adults., Main Outcome Measures: Sociodemographic items: event-level items related to sexual behavior, condom use, lubricant use, and participants' perceptions of their arousal, pleasure, ease of erection or lubrication, and pain associated with sex., Results: During their most recent sexual experience, 27.5% of men (N = 237) and 22.3% of women (N = 175) reported using a condom. More than twice as many women as men were unsure whether the condom was lubricated (26.6% vs. 11.4%) and the material it was made of (23.6% vs. 8.9%). Participants consistently rated sex to be arousing and pleasurable whether or not they used condoms or lubricant. No significant differences were found in regard to men's ratings of the ease of their erections based on condom and lubricant use., Conclusions: Although some have concerns about how condoms or lubricants may impact their enjoyment of sex, in a nationally representative sample of men and women ages 18-59, ratings of sex were largely quite high, with few differences based on condom and lubricant use. Women, more often than men, reported being unsure about the type of condom and lubricant used, which has implications for patient education., (© 2013 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

Introduction: Public health condom promotion efforts increasingly focus on the importance of sexual pleasure; however, little is known about sexual event-specific factors that may increase or decrease perceptions of sexual pleasure when condoms are used., Aims: To examine event-level factors associated with ratings of sexual pleasure during condom-protected vaginal intercourse., Methods: Data were collected in 2008 from 1,875 men during a prospective daily diary study of sexual behavior and condom use. Sexual pleasure was assessed during condom-protected vaginal intercourse considering situational, relational, intrapersonal, and behavioral predictors. Analyses were generalized estimating equation ordinal regression., Main Outcome Measures: Event-specific perceptions of sexual pleasure (three categories: not at all enjoyable to extremely enjoyable)., Results: Vaginal intercourse was reported on 29.8% (N = 8,876/29,714) of diary days; complete condom use was reported for 59.1% (5,249/8,876) of all vaginal intercourse events. This was confusing by using the word "all sexual events." Higher sexual pleasure ratings during complete condom use were associated with older age, manual stimulation of one's genitals, receiving oral sex, and performing oral sex. Sexual pleasure ratings also increased in association with intercourse duration, intercourse intensity, ejaculation, erection perception, and condom comfort. Sexual pleasure ratings were lower with erection difficulty and partner discomfort during sex., Conclusions: These data advance understanding of sexual pleasure during condom use, suggesting that sexual pleasure increases in conjunction with specific relational, physiological, and condom perceptions. These findings offer points upon which clinicians and health educators can engage men in an ongoing dialogue about augmenting sexual pleasure in the context of condom use., (© 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

Introduction: Little is known about the characteristics of sexual events during which individuals choose to use lubricant with condoms., Aims: The aims of this article were to evaluate the determinants of adding lubricant to condoms during baseline and at the event level, to assess the event-level variables' influence on adding lubricants to condoms, and to assess the event-level influence of using condoms with lubricant on event-level condom attitudes., Methods: A total of 1,874 men completed a 30-day Internet-based prospective daily diary study of sexual behavior and condom use., Main Outcome Measures: Baseline data included demographic variables and information about condom education. Daily diary data included reports of penile-vaginal sex regarding intercourse duration, intercourse intensity, intoxication level, condom application method, partner contraceptive method, and partner and relationship characteristics., Results: Lubricant was added to 24.3% of the study-provided condoms and 26.2% of the condoms selected by study participants. Those with more education and those who were married were more likely to add lubrication to condoms. Adding lubricant to condoms, a female partner putting the condom on with her hands and using contraception, and the event occurring with a wife (vs. girlfriend) was significantly associated with longer intercourse. Event-level lubricant and condom use significantly predicted lower willingness to buy the condom it was used with, as well as to recommend the condom. Adding exogenous lubricant was not related to the participants' confidence in condoms as a method to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections., Conclusions: The event-level nature of this study provided for a more comprehensive assessment of the situational factors that are associated with applying lubricant to condoms. Findings from this study suggest that men are adding lubricant to condoms for reasons other than to increase condom efficacy., (© 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

Introduction: Little is known about event-level condom use errors during vaginal sex., Aims: The aim of this article is to examine factors associated with complete condom use compared to forms of incomplete condom use, including delayed condom application and early condom removal, over a 30-day period., Methods: Data were collected in 2008 from 1,875 men during a prospective daily diary study of sexual behavior and condom use. Incomplete condom use was assessed during vaginal intercourse considering situational, relational, intrapersonal, and behavioral predictors. Analyses were generalized estimating equation multinomial logistic regression., Main Outcome Measures: Condom use during vaginal sex: complete use, delayed application, early removal, and both delayed application/early removal., Results: Of 29,714 diary reports, 30% (8,876) included vaginal intercourse. Analyses were conducted (in 2009) on 83.2% of these intercourse events (6,325), during which condoms were used and for which participants provided complete data. Incomplete condom use included penetration before applying condoms during 12% of events (749), removing condoms before intercourse ended during 3.1% (198), and both types of incomplete use during 2% (129) of events. Erection quality (less than typical erect penile length and circumference, less rigidity, and difficulty maintaining erection) was associated with greater odds of incomplete use, as was a participant's history of other recent incomplete use. Perceptions of condom comfort and recent previous complete use were protective factors against incomplete use., Conclusions: Men's incomplete condom use is associated with recent condom use patterns, as well as with their physiological characteristics and perceptions of condoms during sexual intercourse. Event-level analyses such as these help describe how incomplete condom use occurs among individuals incorporating condoms into their sexual activities., (© 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

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., (© 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

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., (© 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

Introduction: In the contemporary U.S., men and women are living longer and healthier lives. As such, many people spend greater portions of their lives as sexually active individuals. Yet, little is known about the myriad of ways that older adults experience their sexual lives., Aim: This study sought to assess the context and frequency of sexual behaviors, condom use, sexual pleasure, and sexual experience of men and women over age 50., Methods: Information regarding the sexual experiences of a nationally representative sample of men and women over age 50 within the past year was examined., Main Outcome Measures: Sexual behavior over the past year was assessed in relation to several situational and contextual characteristics (e.g., event location, type of partner, health status, condom use). Participants were also asked about their experience (i.e., pleasure, arousal, pain, lubrication/erectile difficulties, and orgasm) during their most recent partnered sexual event. Bivariate or ordinal logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship of age, health and partner status to sexual frequency and experience., Results: Although sizable proportions (20-30%) of both men and women remained sexually active well into their 80s age was related to a lower likelihood of solo and most partnered sexual behaviors. When controlling for age, relationship status, and health remained significant predictors of select sexual behaviors. The participant's evaluation of their most recent sexual experience in terms of arousal, erectile difficulty, and orgasm all declined with age. Health status was related to men's evaluation of the experience. Relationship status was the most consistent predictor of women's evaluation of the experience. Condom use rates remained low for participants across age groups., Conclusion: Many older adults continue be sexually active well into advanced age (80+). Thus, providers need to be attentive to the diverse sexual health needs of older adults., (© 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

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., (© 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

Promoting consistent and correct condom use remains a priority public health activity, although some HIV- and STI-related providers remain challenged by some men's resistance to condoms, which some claim do not fit properly or do not feel comfortable. Although these perceptions have been examined across multiple populations, they have not been documented among men living with HIV. During spring 2008, data were collected from 215 men living with HIV at HIV service organizations in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Participants completed the Condom Fit and Feel Scale and measures related to demographics and condom use during sexual interactions within the past 90 days. Men were primarily homosexual, African American, with a high school degree or higher, and unemployed. More than half of participants had used condoms for sexual intercourse within the previous 90 days. The majority of the men reported few problems with the fit and feel of condoms, with 63.1% reporting that condoms "fit my penis just fine," and 80.9% reported being able consistently to find condoms that they perceived to be "sized appropriately for my penis." Some men did report specific characteristics of condoms that challenged fit and feel, including 20.6% endorsing (always or often) that condoms feel too tight, 15.9% that condoms are too short, 17.8% or that condoms would not roll down far enough to cover their penis completely (15.6%). These data provide insights into mechanisms through which providers can help to increase men's access to the diverse range of condoms in the marketplace.

Condom-distribution programs have striven to make condoms more accessible to sexually active individuals, particularly adolescents and populations disproportionately affected by HIV and other STIs. Despite such programs, little is known about where condom-using men in the United States acquire their condoms. The purpose of this study was to document condom-access trends among a large sample of sexually active condom-using men in the United States. Data were collected from 1,832 men from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia by using an Internet-based survey in which men provided details regarding the source of condoms that they had used within the past 30 days. Men reported acquiring their condoms from a variety of sources, including free condom-distribution programs (56.7%) and from venues where they had purchased condoms for themselves (75.7%). Bivariate analyses indicated that participants who reported using free condoms tended to be younger, self-identified as not heterosexual, or not currently in a monogamous relationship. Further, results indicated that those participants who accessed only free condoms did not differ from those who used only purchased condoms, indicating that perhaps efforts to make condoms more accessible through public health distribution campaigns are reaching a more general population of condom-using men than expected. Findings illustrate the importance of continuing free condom-distribution efforts but also suggest benefits of facilitating linkages between public health and a community's retail venues to increase access to the growing diversity of condoms in the marketplace.

An intense social and political debate continues in the United States regarding sexuality education. Included in the debate are those who favor comprehensive approaches, those who favor abstinence-only approaches, and those who favor no sexuality education. In this study, we showed that men who received school-based condom education were less likely to have been diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and were more likely to ever have been tested for sexually transmitted infections than were men without such education. School-based condom education is associated with less, rather than more, STI risk.

Objective: To offer an empirical understanding of characteristics associated with the fit and feel of condoms among African-American men who have sex with men (MSM), a particularly high-risk group for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the United States., Methods: Survey data were collected from 178 adult African-American MSM attending a community event in Atlanta, Georgia., Results: Although the majority of participants reported that condoms generally fit properly and felt comfortable, a substantial number of men reported a variety of problems with the fit and feel of condoms. Specifically, 21% reported that condoms felt too tight, 18% reported that condoms felt too short, 10% reported that condoms felt too loose, and 7% reported that condoms felt too long. There were significant associations between men's reports of condom breakage and slippage, and their perceptions of condom fit and feel. Perceptions of condom fit and feel were also related to men's reports of seeking condoms for their size-specific properties., Conclusions: The fit and feel issues that men in this sample identified may be among those that contribute to their likelihood of using, or not using, condoms consistently and correctly. A better understanding of these factors will be beneficial to both condom manufacturers and sexual health professionals who share a common goal of increasing consistent and correct condom use and reducing the incidence of HIV and other STI among this and other communities.

Relatively little is known about condom use among bisexual men as separate and distinct from exclusively homosexual and heterosexual men. Most previous research on bisexual men has relied on non-probabilistic, high risk samples with limited generalizability. We examined the relationship between male behavioral bisexuality and condom use in the 2002 cycle of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). Bisexually-active men positively differed from heterosexually- and homosexually-active men on every indicator of confounding risk. However, bisexually-active men did not report using condoms less often than other men during their last sexual encounters with males and females. Indeed, with female partners, bisexually-active men reported higher rates of condom use than other men. These relationships remained when all sociodemographic and confounding risk factors were held constant. Our results suggest that caution must be used when making assumptions about condom use in the general population of bisexual men from non-probabilistic samples.

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.

Background: An essential yet understudied aspect of condom use is whether they are used correctly., Goal: The goal of the study was to comprehensively evaluate condom use errors and problems reported by heterosexual college men (N = 158)., Study Design: A cross-sectional survey, involving a 3-month recall period, was conducted., Results: Of the 158 participants, 60% did not discuss condom use with their partner before sex; 42% reported they wanted to use condoms but did not have any available; 43% put condoms on after starting sex; 15% removed condoms before ending sex; 40% did not leave space at the tip; 30% placed the condom upside down on the penis and had to flip it over; and 32% reported losing erections in association with condom use. Nearly one-third reported breakage or slippage during sex. Few participants reported errors related to lubrication, storage, and reusing condoms. Higher error scores were associated with breakage/slippage rather than with consistency of condom use., Conclusion: Condom use errors were common, and error scores were associated with breakage and slippage. Increasing the focus on correcting potential user failures may be an important public health strategy.

Introduction: Using data from the 2018 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, we determined the prevalence and content of adolescents' and young adults' communication with healthcare providers about condom use. Methods: Adolescents (14–17 years old; n = 283) and young adults (18–24 years old, n = 225), who discussed sexual health with a healthcare provider in the past year, reported if they had discussed condom use with a healthcare provider, and among those who did, they also reported why healthcare providers recommended condoms, if they demonstrated correct condom use, and/or provided condoms. Data collection occurred in February and March 2018. Results: Most adolescents (71.0%) and young adults (66.7%) who discussed sexual health with a healthcare provider reported discussing condom use. Condoms were most often recommended for both pregnancy and STD prevention. Fewer adolescents and young adults were shown how to use condoms (11.4% of adolescents; 5.7% of young adults) or provided condoms (14.9% of adolescents; 14.7% of young adults). Only 3.2% of adolescents and 1.3% of young adults had healthcare providers who discussed, demonstrated, and provided condoms. Conclusions: Sexual health conversations with healthcare providers are likely to include condoms. But few adolescents and young adults were shown how to use condoms or provide condoms. Policy Implications: Providing healthcare providers with resources and trainings about how to talk about condoms with patients may lead to more adolescents and young adults learning medically accurate information about condoms. Healthcare offices and clinics could also provide condom use resources outside of provider-patient interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore perceptions of condoms associated with complete use and evaluate relationships between condom perceptions, condom use, and sexual quality. Methods: Using data from a U. S. nationally representative probability sample, we assessed individuals' condom use perceptions and related characteristics of their most recent sexual event through bivariate and regression analyses (n = 234). Results: Most participants reported complete condom use and neutral or positive perceptions of condoms. Though incomplete use was associated with orgasm among women, arousal and pleasure did not differ by gender or duration of condom use. Conclusions: We found no evidence that delayed application or early condom removal increased sexual arousal or pleasure, which may help sexual health promotion interventions address negative cultural ideas about condoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Findings from recent studies in the United States indicate that some men report they perceive problems with the fit and feel of condoms and that these perceptions are associated with lack of consistent condom use. However, little research has explored how men outside the U.S. feel about the fit and feel of condoms. The research project was conducted by researchers in the U.S. in collaboration with a range of community partners in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain. A total of 2,921 men completed The Condom Fit and Feel Scale and other items via Internet-based surveys available in six languages. Men from each nation were compared using descriptive and multivariate techniques to assess condom fit and feel. Although most men reported they generally perceived condoms to fit fine and feel comfortable, there were differences across men in different countries with regard to specific issues they experienced with condom fit and feel. In particular, men in the Netherlands were least likely to report that condoms fit fine and most likely to report that condoms felt too tight and/or too short. Men from Slovenia were most likely to report that condoms were too loose. The fit and feel issues that men identified may be among those that are associated with their likelihood of using, or not using, condoms consistently and correctly. A better understanding of fit and feel perceptions in this study will be beneficial to both condom manufacturers and health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]