Functional Performance and Acceptability Study of Synthetic Nitrile, and Latex Graphene, Compared to Standard Latex Male Condom

Two new male condoms have been developed - one made of synthetic nitrile and the other made of latex graphene. Both new condoms are of the same design as a standard latex male condom. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional performance of two new male condoms compared to a control latex male condom. Couples enrolled in the study will be asked to use five latex graphene, five synthetic nitrile and five latex male condoms in a randomized type order. Function, safety, and acceptability will be assessed at three follow-up visits approximately one month apart after enrolment.

Two new male condoms have been developed - one made of synthetic nitrile and the other made of latex graphene. Both new condoms are of the same design as a standard latex male condom.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the functional performance of two new male condoms compared to a control latex male condom.

Study design: The study is a randomized three-period cross-over trial of two new male condoms and a control latex male condom. The study will enrol 240 couples, anticipating that at least 200 couples will complete the study. Each couple will be asked to use five latex graphene, five synthetic nitrile and five latex male condoms in a randomized type order. Function, safety, and acceptability will be assessed at three follow-up visits approximately one month apart after enrolment. Couples will complete a Condom Log at their homes which gathers data on experience after use of each condom.

Primary Objective: To ascertain the functional performance of a latex graphene and a synthetic nitrile compared to a control latex male condom. Primary endpoints will be total clinical failure and total condom failure.

Secondary Objectives: Acceptability and safety data (as determined by the number of adverse events) occurring with each male condom type.

Population: The target population will be 240 urban, sexually-active couples who are experienced users of male condoms. Recruitment will be from the Commercial City MatCH Research Unit (MRU) site and other workplace sites in the eThekwini District.

Men and women will be told about the study. If a man/woman expresses interest in participating, they will be given the study information sheet to read, which will describe the study requirements and their potential role/partners potential in the study. If they agree to take part in the research, they will be asked to give the information sheet to their partner. If both partners in the couple are willing to participate, they will be invited to visit the enrolment site or the MRU Commercial City site and asked to provide written informed consent. Both partners will be screened to ensure they meet the requirements for study participation.

A physical examination will be undertaken to exclude visible symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. If symptoms are observed the participant will be referred to a Department of Health clinic or their doctor for treatment. A urine pregnancy test will be conducted at screening to exclude pregnancy. Both partners in the couple will need to provide the study with a copy of HIV results which are not older than 2 months. If HIV testing results are not available, voluntary HIV counselling and testing will be offered and conducted by study staff.

The consent process and all checklists, condom use logs and surveys used in the research will be written and conducted in a language that is understandable to the participant, and all relevant documents will be translated into isiZulu. Enrolled participants will be asked to use five latex graphene, five synthetic nitrile and five latex male condoms. They will be asked to return for follow-up after using five of each type of device.

At enrolment, baseline data will be gathered on participant demographics and past male condom use via the baseline questionnaire using a dildo model, the study staff will demonstrate male condom fitting and train the participants in the proper use of their first assigned male condom. Further, they will re-emphasize the instructions on how to complete the condom use log. Couples will be given one condom log to complete together. Couples will be told that they do not have to use the study male condoms during consecutive acts of intercourse. They will also be counselled on Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and referred to a local facility that provides PrEP should they wish to initiate PrEP. The study staff will discuss with the couple an approximate timeframe for use of all five condoms and a suitable follow-up date will be scheduled. This date will be noted on an appointment slip. Couples will be encouraged to come back if their condoms are finished before the due date and will be given the research study contact details to call for any appointment changes.

During the first follow-up visit, couples will be interviewed about their first assigned condom type and they will receive their next condom packet within their second assigned (randomized) use sequence. In the second follow-up visit, couples will be interviewed about their second assigned condom type and they will receive their next condom packet within their third assigned (randomized) use sequence.

In the third follow-up visit, couples will be interviewed about their third assigned condom type and will be discontinued from study participation. Data on device function, safety and acceptability for each condom type will be collected during follow-up visits.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

All couples enrolled in this research must meet the following selection criteria:

1. Be between the ages of 18 and 45 years (inclusive);
2. Be literate (able to read a newspaper or letter easily);
3. Have been in an exclusive (monogamous) sexual relationship with partner for at least 6 months; and intend to continue to be an exclusive (monogamous) sexual relationship with partner with their spouse or partner while participating in this research study;
4. Not planning a pregnancy during the time of the research study;
5. Be sexually active (defined as having at least two vaginal coital acts per week and not being abstinent in the month prior to enrolment);
6. Not have any genital piercings, use genital beading or any other drugs or non-study devices that can affect sexual performance;
7. Not have known sensitivities or allergies to latex, polyurethane, vaginal/sexual lubricants or the lubricants used on condoms;
8. Be without observable evidence of Sexually transmitted infections (STI) as determined through syndromic diagnosis and vaginal/penile examination;
9. Not be HIV positive
10. Willing to give informed consent;
11. Willing to complete the male condom coital use logs;
12. Willing to use the study condoms as directed;
13. Willing to adhere to the follow-up schedule and all study procedures;
14. Willing to provide research study staff with an address, phone number or other locator information while participating in the study; and,
15. Willing to participate in the study for the duration of 15 condom uses (approximately 3- 5 months.
16. Willing to have fingerprint scan to check for co-enrolment in other research projects Female partner only: -
17. Using hormonal or other non-barrier contraception (e.g. Oral Contraceptives (OC), injectable, implant, Intra Uterine Device (IUD), or have had a tubal sterilization);
18. Must not be pregnant (as determined by pregnancy testing)
19. Not be menopausal (defined as 12 months without menstruation);
20. Not have had a hysterectomy; Male partner only: -
21. Not have known erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.