Avaliação das características físico-químicas e morfológicas de preservativos masculinos comercializados no Brasil.

Abstract

Male condoms are the main instruments of protection against sexually transmitted diseases and birth control in the world and are produced mainly from natural rubber. Since the 80s, with the significant increase in the use of condoms, the industry has developed new models with different sizes, thicknesses and tastes. With the increase in reported allergic reactions induced for latex, models of condoms made from other materials such as polyurethane have been developed. Studies suggest that polyurethane can be a good alternative to latex, despite not having the same physical and chemical properties. Since 2002 latex condoms are compulsorily certified by ANVISA and INMETRO. Currently this certification follows the requirements established by RDC 62/2008. Thus, this study aimed to determine if the minimum requirements for rubber devices can be applied to polyurethane. For this, testing of dimensions, thickness, determining the volumetric capacity and bursting pressure, check for holes and integrity of primary packaging, the tests described in RDC 62/2008 were performed, and also scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and mechanical testing. The test results showed the differences in the physicochemical properties of materials and the testing of the standard cannot be applied in full to polyurethane condoms. According to the results it can be concluded that it is necessary to establish standards for certification of polyurethane condoms, considering its greater elasticity and lower resistance compared to natural rubber.