The First FDA-Authorized Condom for Anal Sex Is Here

The FDA approved the first condom for anal sex. The One Male Condom can be used for vaginal sex as well, but it hopes this will improve condom use for anal sex, which carries a higher risk of spreading sexually transmitted infections.

The One Male Condom was tested out in a clinical trial of over 500 people, with two groups split evenly between men who have sex with men and men who have sex with women. The failure rate of the condom was found to be 0.68 during anal sex and 1.92 during vaginal sex. There were no serious adverse events reported, though less than 1% of participants did report a recent STI diagnosis. It's possible that some of the infections may have been caused by the absence of condom use.

Condoms and similar barrier methods have been used for a long time to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The FDA says that every FDA-cleared condom can still be used to prevent STDs. The agency said that authorizing the One Male Condom may encourage more people to wear a rubber during anal sex when they wouldn't otherwise. The FDA said that this authorization could pave the way for similar products to get to market faster.

The FDA's authorization of a condom that is specifically indicated, evaluated and labeled for anal intercourse may improve the likelihood of condom use.

The One Male Condom is made of natural rubber latex and is being marketed by Global Protection Corp. It will be available in three varieties, standard, thin, and fitted, with the fitted version coming in 54 sizes. It should be used with a condom-safe lubricant. The CDC still recommends that people use a fresh condom if they switch between anal, oral, and vaginal sex.