Medical Devices
New Quality Standard for Polyurethane Condoms
New Zealand now has a standard (New Zealand Standard 7106:1998 Polyurethane
Condoms) designed to ensure that polyurethane condoms are of equal quality to
latex condoms. This standard, developed by Medsafe and Standards New Zealand,
permits polyurethane condoms to be sold in New Zealand provided they comply
with the requirements of the standard.
As the name suggests, polyurethane condoms are made from polyurethane instead of the traditional latex. Male and female polyurethane condoms are currently available overseas and companies have expressed an interest in marketing them in New Zealand. The female polyurethane condom, designed to be worn internally by the woman, will offer extra choice to the range of contraceptives available. Polyurethane condoms also offer extra choice to those who are allergic to latex.
The polyurethane condom offers the same level of protection as the latex condom and can be used with a lubricant.