Safety and acceptability of condoms for use by homosexual men as a prophylactic against transmission of HIV during anogenital sexual intercourse.

In the Western world the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS and AIDS related conditions, is transmitted mainly by anogenital sexual intercourse between men. Since prevention of transmission is at present the only way of controlling the epidemic, prevention programs should be aimed at homosexual men. Information campaigns have resulted in some change in sexual behavior among homosexual men, but additional measures are required. Condoms may prove to be an acceptable and worthwhile means of preventing transmission of the virus during sexual intercourse since the HIV cannot penetrate the intact membrane of latex condoms. 17 male homosexual couples responded to an advertisement in a gay magazine inviting steady couples to participate in a study on the acceptability of condoms. In general, the stiffest condoms seemed to be safer than the others, but they were also the least liked and therefore unacceptable to the participants. Changes are necessary for the successful introduction of condoms as a prophylactic against transmission of the HIV in male homosexuals.