Abstract:

How common are problems with condom use during sex? We examined Filipino men’s negative experiences with male condoms using data from a sample of 1,010 sexually active Filipino men ages 15 to 54 who participated in the 2003 National Demographic and Health Survey. Results indicated that majority (80%) of Filipino condom users reported no problems with condoms. Among those who did experience problems, the most frequently cited were: pleasure reduction, inconvenience of use, and spoiled mood. Having problems with condom use was associated with men’s increasing age and with subjective beliefs that condoms would diminish pleasure, but not with men’s socioeconomic status, educational attainment, knowledge of condoms’ disease-protective properties, or sexual- minority status. Subjective beliefs appear to be more important than sheer knowledge about the protection provided by condoms. These beliefs may serve to create negative expectations about condoms and later, to legitimize non-use.