Amy Bloom

Publications (2)10.43 Total impact

• Article: Efficacy of the female condom as a barrier to semen during intercourse.

  Maurizio Macaluso, M Louise Lawson, Glen Hortin, Ann Duerr, Karen R Hammond, Richard Blackwell, Amy Bloom
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: In 1996-1998, the authors measured prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in vaginal fluid to assess the frequency of female condom failure and to evaluate the association of self-reported failure with semen exposure. Women at low risk of sexually transmitted diseases (n = 210) were recruited in Birmingham, Alabama. They were trained to use the female condom, sample vaginal fluid before and after condom use, and complete forms to report problems during each use. Semen exposure was assessed by comparing pre- and postcoital PSA levels in vaginal fluid. A total of 175 women used 2,232 condoms. The rate of semen exposure ranged from 7% to 21% of condom uses, depending on the exposure criterion. Exposure was more likely (21-34%) and more intense (mean postcoital PSA, 24.7 ng/ml) if participants reported a mechanical problem versus other problems or no problems (exposure rate, 5-20% in both instances; mean postcoital PSA, 9.6 and 7.8 ng/ml, respectively). In logistic regression analyses for repeated measurements, user-reported problems accounted for less than 59% of the instances of semen exposure. The female condom prevented semen exposure in 79-93% of condom uses. Exposure was associated with user-reported problems but also occurred in their absence. Reported problems and semen exposure decreased with user experience.
  American Journal of Epidemiology 03/2003; 157(4):289-97. · 5.22 Impact Factor
• Article: Partner characteristics, intensity of the intercourse, and semen exposure during use of the female condom.

  M Louise Lawson, Maurizio Macaluso, Ann Duerr, Glen Hortin, Karen R Hammond, Richard Blackwell, Lynn Artz, Amy Bloom
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to assess how characteristics of the intercourse and the couple relate to semen exposure during use of the female condom. From 1996 to 1998, 210 women in Birmingham, Alabama, were trained to use the female condom and follow study procedures during a group session and individually practiced inserting the device. The outcome was semen exposure as defined by comparing pre- and postcoital prostate-specific antigen levels in vaginal fluid. Women who had high income levels had lower rates of semen exposure (odds ratio (OR) = 0.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2, 0.7), while those in a relationship of less than 2 years were at greater risk (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3, 4.1). Couples with a large disparity in vaginal fundus size and penis size were at increased risk of semen exposure (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 6.0). Engaging in very active intercourse also increased the risk (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.6). Thus, the protective effect of the female condom appears to be a function of user- and intercourse-specific characteristics. Future studies of male condom efficacy should focus on collecting detailed data about the users and characteristics of intercourse to predict failure accurately.
  American Journal of Epidemiology 03/2003; 157(4):282-8. · 5.22 Impact Factor