The first condom designed specifically for use during anal sex was recently approved by the FDA.
It is emphasized that anal intercourse is considered much more dangerous than vaginal sex, in terms of transmitting infections, such as HIV and HPV (a risk factor for anal cancer ).
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What are sexually transmitted diseases?
The term sexually transmitted disease (STD) is used to describe a condition that is transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. Someone can become infected with a sexually transmitted disease through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with an infected person.
A sexually transmitted disease is also called a sexually transmitted infection.
This does not mean that sex is the only way STDs are transmitted. Depending on the disease, transmission can be through sharing syringes and breastfeeding.
What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in men?
It is possible to be infected with a sexually transmitted disease without showing any symptoms. However, some diseases cause obvious symptoms which in men include:
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse or urination
- Sores or rashes on or around the penis, testicles, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth
- Unusual discharge or bleeding from the penis
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
More specific symptoms may vary depending on the sexually transmitted disease.
What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women?
In many cases, sexually transmitted diseases do not cause visible symptoms. When provoked, common symptoms in women include:
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse or urination
- Sores or rashes on or around the vagina, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth
- Unusual discharge or bleeding from the vagina
- Itching in or around the vagina
Symptoms vary depending on the sexually transmitted disease.
Is there a condom specifically designed for anal sex?
The CDC has for years encouraged the use of condoms during anal intercourse, which as we said above is particularly dangerous for the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
The FDA’s approval of the ONE latex male condom, specifically for anal sex, was based on an Emory University clinical study that examined its safety in more than 500 men.
The men who participated in the study were divided into two groups. To those who have sex with men and to those who have sex with women. After analyzing their data, the researchers found that the condom failure rate, meaning it either broke or slipped, was less than 1% during anal sex. The failure rate was 3 times higher during vaginal intercourse.
It is noted that according to another survey of about 10,000 men, researchers found that about 70% of men who have sex with men are more likely to use condoms labeled “safe for anal sex,” so a specially designed condom for this purpose is very important.
The ONE latex male condom, created by condom manufacturer Global Protection Corp of Boston, is now available for both anal and vaginal sex, but its safety for anal sex is greater than others.
According to Courtney Lias, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Office of GastroNenal, ObGyn, General Hospital, and Urology, approval of this condom is very important to achieving health equity in diverse populations by developing effective products that will reduce the possibility of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
Sources:
FDA OKs First Condom for Anal Sex https://www.webmd.com/sex/news/20220224/fda-oks-first-condom-for-anal-sex
Anal Sex Safety: What to Know https://www.webmd.com/sex/anal-sex-health-concerns
FDA Permits Marketing of First Condom Specifically Indicated for Anal Intercourse https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-permits-marketing-first-condom-specifically-indicated-anal-intercourse
Levels of clinical condom failure for anal sex: A randomized cross-over trial https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6933145/#sec0018title
Utility of a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label indication for condoms for anal sex https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7325477/
