These are answers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to questions submitted by the CDC National AIDS Hotline concerning polyurethane condoms.

1. Is the use of polyurethane condoms recommended by CDC?

The FDA has approved the male polyurethane condom for sale in the United States, but has not allowed the manufacturer to make any claims about the prevention of pregnancy or STDs until ongoing studies are completed. Laboratory testing has shown that particles even as small as sperm and viruses like HIV cannot pass through this polyurethane material. An actual "recommendation" by CDC has not been made yet.

2. Latex condoms are regulated in the United States and must meet FDA standards. What kind of standards will polyurethane condoms need to meet?

Standards are currently being developed.

3. Are there microscopic holes or pores in polyurethane? How are we sure that polyurethane pores are small enough to keep HIV out?

There are no pores or holes in polyurethane.

4. Is there any information on reliability rates?

Laboratory testing has shown that particles, even ones as small as sperm and viruses like HIV, cannot pass through this polyurethane material. However, the manufacturer has not completed the clinical trials necessary to prove protection against pregnancy, HIV, and other STD's. Studies are now underway.

5. Can someone be allergic to polyurethane? If so, how does one recognize the signs and symptoms?

Theoretically yes, but it would be rare. A person should consult their physician if they notice any abnormal change in their genitals.

6. How does a person recognize allergy to latex (which might lead them to consider using polyurethane)? What are the signs and symptoms?

A person should consult their physician if they notice any abnormal change in their genitals.

7. Does it make a difference if the man is not circumcised? How would he put it on if it doesn't fit like a latex condom? If the condom is loose fitting would an uncircumcised man still need to push back the foreskin?

No. The polyurethane condom fits similar to the latex condom.

8. Will water-based lubricants be effective with polyurethane condoms?

Water or oil-based lubricants can be used with polyurethane condoms.

9. Are there substances that should not be used as a lubricant?

Examine the labeling on the lubricant for any warnings or precautions.

10. Since polyurethane is tougher, can you use polyurethane condoms more than once? If so, how do you clean them?

Polyurethane condoms should only be used once, then properly discarded.

11. Does the wearer need to wait to achieve an erection before putting on polyurethane condoms?

The wearer should follow the same directions as for using latex condoms.

12. Can we expect guidance from CDC on the reliability and use of condoms (latex and or polyurethane) for anal and oral sex at the same time the reliability information on polyurethane condoms for vaginal sex is published? If not, when?

To our knowledge, there are no ongoing studies examining the efficacy of condoms for anal or oral sex.

13. Do you still leave a space at the tip of this condom to prevent leaking, as you do with a latex condom?

The wearer should follow the same directions as for using latex condoms.

14. Should you remove as much air as possible before/while putting it on?

The wearer should follow the same directions as for using latex condoms.

15. Should spermicide be used with it? Will it come with spermicide like latex condoms?

The wearer should follow the same directions as for using latex condoms. Whether spermicides are included with polyurethane condoms is the manufacturer's decision.

16. How will you be able to tell if it's defective? (Brittle? discolored, etc.?)

Awaiting response from FDA.

17. Is there a specific storage temperature? Could they be stored in the trunk of a car in the summer? Carried in a wallet?

The wearer should follow the same directions as for using latex condoms.

18. Can two be used at once?

The wearer should follow the same directions as for using latex condoms.

19. When using a lubricant, should it/can it be placed on the inside of the condom?

The wearer should follow the same directions as for using latex condoms.

20. When using the polyurethane condom, does the penetrating partner have to withdraw as soon as an ejaculation has taken place?

The wearer should follow the same directions as for using latex condoms.

21. Can the latex and polyurethane condoms be used together (double bagging)? Can a polyurethane condom be put on over a latex condom?

Yes. Yes.