Latex Vs. Non-Latex

A study shows non-latex condoms aren't as safe as latex condoms but people would recommend them to others because they feel better. (Eww, sheep guts on my nether-regions.)

The study of nearly 4,000 sexually active, heterosexual, monogamous couples older than 18 took place in nine U.S. trials and one each in Britain and France. (I wonder why homosexual men were not included in the study?)

The three non-latex condoms tested -- eZ.on, Avanti and Standard Tactylon -- had up to five times higher the breakage rate than latex condoms. Most of the subjects in the trial favored the non-latex condom. (Still pretty grossed out)

Researchers at Family Health International, developers of eZ.on, recommended the non-latex condoms as an alternative to people with allergic reactions to latex and an alternative to not wearing a condom at all.

They warn the study did not evaluate how well the condoms protected against disease, but concluded the high breakage rate would increase the risk of someone getting HIV or a sexually transmitted infection.

Full results are printed in the current issue of The Cochrane Library