How Much Do You Know About Condoms?
For decades, condoms have served as one of the most effective contraceptive methods on the market. The need for continued and more comprehensive safety measures within the condom industry is growing, as the rate of unplanned pregnancies and contraction of STI’s increases. In addition, in a majority of under-developed regions, several organizations throughout the world are taking up aggressive social marketing across all commercial and media to increase knowledge and correct use of condoms.
There are currently 28 billion condoms sold in the global market with a projected value of $9.6 billion. The global condom market is expected to cross $11 billion by 2023. The global market for condoms is growing at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8%. The condom market is expected to experience steady growth in the upcoming years, due to population growth and an increased usage of condoms.
Despite the growth in usage, the US Condom Manufacturing industry is experiencing a slow yet steady decline in revenue as foreign producers outcompete local firms. Foreign firms are able to replicate the manufacturing process abroad and benefit from lower input costs, like labor and energy. Additionally, some firms benefit from lower rubber prices by locating condom manufacturing plants near rubber producers in Southeast Asia. As such, it is estimated that the number of condom manufacturers has decreased at a 4.1% annualized rate to just 31 manufacturers by 2012. The Great Recession made markets unstable and resulted in high rubber price volatility, which forced condom manufacturers to increase prices per unit just as disposable income dropped in 2008 and 2009.
Distribution-wise, condoms are increasingly being picked up from self-service counters available at drug stores, supermarkets, and more specifically online. The internet is catching the fervor of users who prefer to buy condoms discreetly. The internet is also widely being used as a forum for the distribution of educational literature and condom samples, in addition to providing encouragement for safer sex.
So who is monitoring safety of manufacturing and distribution of condoms? Presently, the FDA addresses condom labeling with general device labeling regulations1, as well as two specific labeling regulations, one on condom expiration dating2 and another on user warnings about allergic reactions to natural rubber latex3. In addition, since 1987, the FDA has issued a series of guidance documents that address specific elements of condom labeling related to protection against STIs. Condom boxes and packets are required to state: “If used properly, latex condoms will help to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV infection (AIDS) and many other sexually transmitted diseases.” The only relevant compliance issues known is to stay within the FDA guidelines by utilizing current FDA-approved standard condoms that are Class II medical devices. There are no other known regulations that govern the tamper-evidence feature of the Technology.
It is common knowledge that condoms are not 100% effective. Further, there are different types of material that are more effective than others. There is also damage in manufacturing and shipping that can harm the packaging and condom itself. As far as usage issues go, one quarter of the users admittedly store their condoms in ways that are outside the recommended standards.
So how can a product so important in protection against disease not be protected itself? How do you know if your condom is safe? 3BP offers patented protection to let you know that your condom is safe. Still, we need standards. Changes must come from consumer demand and action. Let’s work together to serve and protect the condom industry! We want to hear your thoughts.
