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Associate Scientist Erick Janssen, and Stephanie Sanders, associate director of The Kinsey Institute and professor in Gender Studies, are heading a two-year project addressing barriers heterosexual men may experience using male condoms.

Condoms have been shown to be effective in reducing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases during sex when used consistently and correctly, yet many individuals and couples start intercourse without a condom or take off a condom and resume intercourse without it. Men who are concerned about losing erections during condom application or during sexual activity may be reluctant to use condoms. For other men, condoms may reduce sensation and stimulation, also influencing their willingness and ability to use condoms.

Sanders and Janssen decided to investigate this issue after finding that men who reported erectile problems also reported more unprotected sexual activity.

"Erection and arousal problems can interfere with correct and consistent condom use," Sanders said. "This project will help us better understand the mechanisims involved and possible interventions to address these problems."

See also:

Possible Barriers to Correct Condom Use »