New draft guidelines for male latex condoms published on Thursday call for packaging to include information they reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines also specifically say condoms that contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9 must specify that they can cause irritation and increase the risk of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.They also specify that consistent condom use may help protect against some other sexually transmitted diseases, such as human papilloma virus, or HPV, that are transmitted through skin contact.The draft labels, required by law, also address incorrect or inconsistent use, saying condoms should be thrown away -- not flipped over -- if not unrolled correctly.Condom packaging is already required to carry certain warnings about the risk of pregnancy and disease.Congress called for the new FDA proposal to ensure condom labels were “medically accurate,” but there has been debate between lawmakers and FDA scientists about what should be included.Some health activists have also expressed concern that too many warnings may discourage use altogether.The agency’s recommendations give specific language manufacturers can use to meet the FDA’s current labeling rules. They are not mandatory, but most companies follow them.
