Trojan introduces two new condoms
Encouraging consistent condom use is a daily challenge for family planners. Two new latex condom styles from the makers of Trojan Condoms may help in meeting the needs of certain segments of the patient population.
The Trojan Magnum XL Extra Large and Trojan Extended Pleasure condoms provide solutions to issues facing some sexually active people, says Dick Kline, vice president of marketing, Carter Products, a division of manufacturer Carter-Wallace in New York City.
Trojan Magnum XL Extra Large condoms are 30% larger by volume than regular condoms and are sized even larger than original Trojan Magnum condoms. According to company research, an estimated 6% of the male population find currently offered condoms too small and need an extra-large condom, says Kline.
Condom addresses premature ejaculation
The Extended Pleasure condoms also address a special need, states Kline. Almost 30% of men experience premature ejaculation.1 The Extended Pleasure condoms are the only latex condoms that incorporate a climax control lubricant.
"Use of condoms is the only means by which sexually active individuals can help protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases," says Kline. "In a continuing effort to encourage increased usage of condoms, the Trojan brand has been a leader in providing new products that will appeal to a greater number of people."
As of Contraceptive Technology Update press time, both products were scheduled to reach U.S. market shelves in May. Suggested retail price for a box of 12 Trojan Magnum XL Extra Large condoms is $7.99; a box of 12 Trojan Extended Pleasure condoms is $8.49. To coincide with the May market introduction, consumers can log onto www.trojan condoms.com for more information and to request free samples of the new products.
Advertising for both products will begin in June, states Kline. The successful "Trojan Man" commercials will introduce the new products to consumers. Advertising for Trojan Extended Pleasure condoms will include radio and television commercials, and advertising for Trojan Magnum XL Extra Large condoms will include radio commercials.
Research of other condoms indicates that larger penis circumference and longer penis length can be a risk factor for breakage.2,3 A larger condom may well translate into less breakage, says Anita Nelson, MD, professor in the obstetrics and gynecology department at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) and medical director of the women’s health care clinic and nurse practitioner training program at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance.
It is important to look at reasons for condom failure. A prospective investigation of men in Mexico, Philippines, and the Dominican Republic showed that those who reported condom failure during the year prior to the study were more likely to experience failures during the study.4 Counseling can identify persons at increased risk of condom failure who might need more intensive information and attention regarding consistent and correct use. (Get tips on how to overcome barriers to correct condom use; look at the article and enclosed patient handout in CTU, March 1999, p. 31.)
The new Magnum XL Extra Large condoms are specifically designed to meet the demands of the 6% of men who require an extra large condom. Other men may experience slippage with the Magnum XL Extra Large. As noted in Contraceptive Technology, ask clients what does not work about using condoms and offer to help them select a condom most suitable to their needs.5
The Trojan Extended Pleasure condoms are the only latex condoms that incorporate a climax control lubricant on a condom. Kline identifies the lubricant as the over-the-counter monographed drug benzocaine. Carter Products has conducted safety studies of the product, states Kline.
Trojan Extended Pleasure condoms have a reservoir tip for extra safety and are lubricated on the outside for additional sexual comfort.
Until now, an accepted approach to premature ejaculation was for the man to apply anesthetic to the tip of his penis, says Nelson.
"This numbs him out, but it also numbs his partner," explains Nelson. "This [condom] is a local application, which is contained to him."
Many family planners have recommended that men who experience premature ejaculation use a thick, desensitizing condom, says Nelson. Such condoms are getting harder to find due to the current market trend toward super-sensitive, thinner products, she observes.
References
1. Laumann EO, Paik A, Rosen RC. Sexual dysfunction in the United States: Prevalence and predictors. JAMA 1999; 281:537-544.
2. Nelson A, Bernstein GS, Frezieres R, et al. Study of the efficacy, acceptability, and safety of a nonlatex (polyurethane) male condom — final report, NIH contract NO1-HD-1-3109. Unpublished paper. National Institutes of Health; 1997.
3. Nelson A, Frezieres R, Walsh T, et al. Controlled, randomized evaluation of a commercially available polyurethane and latex condom (Avanti vs. Ramses Sensitol) — final report, NIH contract NO1-HD-1-3109. Unpublished paper. National Institutes of Health; 1996.
4. Spruyt A, Steiner MJ, Joanis C, et al. Identifying condom users at risk for breakage and slippage: Findings from three international sites. Am J Public Health 1998; 88:239-244.
5. Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Stewart F, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 17th ed. New York City: Ardent Media; 1998. n
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content