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CONSUMER REPORTS PRESENTS FACTS ON 17 CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS TO HELP READERS COMPARE AND DECIDE WHAT’S BEST FOR THEM
—Ratings of latex condoms, latest developments in contraception, and a chart comparing many choices—
YONKERS, NY — The February Consumer Reports comprehensive Guide to Contraception provides unbiased information on the many birth control methods legally available in the US today. Condoms remain the only
family planning and pregnancy prevention method that can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, which
causes AIDS. CR rates 23 kinds of latex condoms, discusses the latest developments in pregnancy prevention, and presents the facts on the
effectiveness and risks of each option.
An easy-to-follow chart compares and contrasts 17 contraceptive choices—from the pill to vasectomy—that fall between the
polar opposites of abstinence (0 percent failure rate) and doing nothing to prevent pregnancy (85 percent failure rate). “Our
chart is a very useful starting point for consumers making decisions about which method of contraception is best for them,”
said Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., Chief Medical Adviser for Consumers Union, the independent nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports. “It's a valuable public service to provide a chart that compares and contrasts so many different contraceptive choices all
on one page.”
CR offers independent, trusted information so readers can compare the options wisely. Many expert sources were consulted in
compiling this guide, including peer-reviewed medical literature, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Association
of Reproductive Health Professionals, various credible online resources, and nationally recognized medical professionals.
Some of the guide’s main findings follow.
Part 1--Condoms: Extra protection.
- All tested latex condoms met or exceeded the minimum industry standard air-burst test requirement.
- CR recommends choosing from among the highest-rated condoms using price or performance as a guide. The highest-rated models
are: Durex Extra Sensitive Lubricated Latex; Durex Performax Lubricated; Lifestyles Classic Collection Ultra Sensitive Lubricated;
TheyFit Lubricated; Trojan Extended Pleasure Climax Control Lubricant; Trojan Non-Lubricated; and Trojan Ultra Pleasure Spermicidal
Lubricant.
- There is no reason to choose spermicidal condoms over other kinds as they have no additional benefit in preventing pregnancy,
have a shorter shelf life, and may cause urinary tract infections in young women. Trojan Ultra Pleasure with Spermicidal Lubricant
is the only top-rated model that contains spermicide.
- While using any condom is better than not using one at all, CR found two models to avoid. There are much better choices than Planned Parenthood’s Assorted Colors and Honeydew models, which
scored lowest in the Ratings because they are not as strong as other models tested and may have a greater tendency to fail
during use. However, another Planned Parenthood model, “Lollipop,” is a much better choice and rated excellent overall in
CR’s tests.
- CR reminds readers that it is extremely important to use condoms correctly. CR offers advice to help ensure that the condoms you buy do their job. (See fact sheet.)
The magazine previously published condom test results in 1999, 1995, 1989, and 1979. “Condoms have improved since the mid-nineties
because industry manufacturing standards have become more universally used and more effective,” said Edward Kippel, Program
Leader in the Health and Family Products Department who led the condom test project. CR tests condoms until they burst, an established predictor of real-world performance. In addition to the number of samples
that meet the minimum industry standard for air pressure and volume (Reliability score), this test provides the basis for
CR’s “Burst Index” (strength score), which was developed by CR’s experts based on research showing that a condom’s failure rate in use is correlated with the volume of air it can withstand.
In the Ratings, strength represents the percentage of samples that held at least 25 liters of air before bursting. All samples
of the condoms CR rated highest held at least 25 liters of air before breaking.
Part 2--Birth control: More and safer choices. CR brings readers up to date on six methods of birth control, including:
- IUDs: Today’s IUDs have an excellent safety record. The newest IUD, Mirena, is highly effective, reversible, and makes menstrual
periods lighter and less crampy.
- Hormones: Today’s hormonal preparations are among the most effective methods of birth control. They contain a fraction of the active
hormones and result in fewer side effects and dangers than the original pill. The patch and the ring, two newer forms of contraception,
contain the same types and doses of hormones and are as effective as the pill in preventing pregnancy. CR helps readers understand the risks associated with hormonal contraceptives and their added ability to suppress menstrual
periods.
- Emergency contraception is still a mystery to many women, although it’s been available for decades as a method for preventing pregnancy after unprotected
sex or contraceptive failure. CR presents facts about how emergency contraception works and provides advice from expert sources, including the American College
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, among others, for how to obtain such help in an emergency.
Part 3--Comparative guide to contraceptives. Because there is so much confusion over contraceptives, CR outlines the 17 available methods—their failure rates, price, how they are used, how they work, and their pros and cons—all
in one comprehensive chart.
CR’s guide to contraception is available free at the
health and fitness section at www.ConsumerReports.org.
The February 2005 issue of Consumer Reports will be available January 5 wherever magazines are sold. To subscribe, call 1-800-765-1845.
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