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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Condom-associated erection problems: behavioural responses and attributions in young, heterosexual men

Brandon J. Hill A B G , Stephanie A. Sanders B C , Richard A. Crosby B D , Kara N. Ingelhart B E and Erick Janssen B F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A The University of Chicago, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Charles Mott Building, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.

B The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Morrison Hall 313, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.

C Indiana University, Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Memorial Hall 130, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.

D University of Kentucky, College of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.

E The University of Chicago, The Law School, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.

F University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Kapucijnenvoer 7 blok g, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.

G Corresponding author. Email: brjhill@indiana.edu

Sexual Health 12(5) 397-404 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH14051
Submitted: 31 May 2013  Accepted: 4 May 2015   Published: 13 July 2015

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have associated men who experience condom-associated erection problems (CAEP) with incomplete condom use and/or foregoing using condoms altogether. However, how men respond to CAEP and what they attribute CAEP to, remains unclear. Understanding young men’s CAEP responses and attributions could help improve sexually transmissible infections (STI)/HIV prevention programs and interventions. Methods: Behavioural responses to, and attributions for, CAEP during application (CAEP-Application) and/or during penile-vaginal intercourse (CAEP-PVI) were reported using an online questionnaire by 295 young, heterosexual men (aged 18–24 years) who were recruited via social media websites and university Listservs across major cities in the Midwestern USA. Results: Behavioural responses to CAEP-Application included receiving oral or manual stimulation, stimulating a partner, self-stimulation, foregoing condom use and applying the condom after starting intercourse. Attributions for CAEP-Application included: distraction, fit and feel problems, application taking too long and having consumed too much alcohol. Behavioural responses to CAEP-PVI included increasing the intensity of intercourse, removing the condom to receive oral or manual stimulation and removing condom and continuing intercourse. Attributions for CAEP-PVI included: lack of sensation, taking too long to orgasm, not being ‘turned on’ enough, fit and feel problems and partner-related factors. Conclusions: Men who report CAEP respond with both STI/HIV risk-reducing and potentially risk-increasing behaviours (e.g. forgoing condom use). Men attribute their experiences to a wide range of individual- and partner-level factors. Addressing men’s CAEP behavioural responses and attributions may increase the efficacious value of condom programs and STI/HIV prevention interventions – particularly among men who experience CAEP.


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