Study finds disparity in quality of condoms

All latex condoms are not created equal, according to a recent study. The study, conducted by the Mariposa Foundation, a Topanga, Calif. research organization dedicated to the research of STDs, found a wide disparity in the effectiveness of different brands and types of condoms. According to the study, Mentor (Circle) is most effective in preventing viral transfer. It is followed by Ramses Non-Lube(Schmid) and Ramses Sensitol (Schmid). Ranking near the bottom of the list are the popular Trojan Natralube Ribbed(Carter Wallace) and Trojan Ribbed(Carter Wallace) condoms. The Mariposa Foundation considers the study's findings to be an important aid in its struggle against STDs. "There is more information found about refrigerators than condoms in this country," said a spokesperson for the foundation. "So we believe that although it isn't perfect [the study] is a start. It is especially important due to the STD crisis in this country." "We want to highlight the importance of contraceptive use," the Mariposa Foundation spokesperson added. According to Susan Villari, director of health education at Student Health Services at the University, Lifestyles condoms -- lubricated or unlubricated, with or without nonoxynol-9 -- are distributed and sold to students at Student Health. "You'll see Lifestyles condoms being rated in different places in different studies" said Villari. "On most studies, they are rated high. You have to look at not only the brand of condom, but also the particular type. "Lifestyles Nudas have had low rankings in some studies. I think that latex condoms are effective," she added. University students contacted about the study were surprised about its findings. "When you think of a Trojan, you'd like to think that it would come through," said Wharton freshman Saumil Parikh. "But apparently you're better off with a [Ramses]." "I'm a little surprised, Wharton freshman Justin Rann said. "I think that the advertising campaigns make you think Trojans are superior. "Advertising can be deceiving as to what products are best," he added.

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