TheyFit Changes the Global Standard of Condoms

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At this week's 2012 International AIDS Conference, TheyFit LLC is discussing how they are changing the global standard for condoms. The product, custom fit condoms available in 95 unique sizes, was presented with initial sales data and analysis from a European market launch. A recent position statement by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the "male latex condom is the single most efficient, available technology to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections[1]."  While latex condoms provide excellent protection, many men don't routinely use them with 45% of men complaining their condoms don't fit[2].

At the conference, TheyFit will unveil sales data relating to its range of custom fitted condoms for the first time, which are currently available in Europe and planning to launch in other countries pending regulatory approval. The data for the custom fitted condoms was collected during the 2011-2012 launch in Europe. In just the first 250 pack sales:

• Only one in eight, or about 12.4%, of sales were within the range of sizes currently allowed by the American Society for Testing Methods
• 174 individuals from 11 different countries made purchases
• Each of the 12 widths and 14 lengths were sold
• Both the smallest and largest condom sizes were sold
• 61 (64%) of the ninety-five unique sizes were purchased at least once

Joe Nelson, head of TheyFit Europe, described the data as "cast iron proof supporting the need for more condom sizes."  Nelson continues, "The findings have significant implications for public health. Promoting condom use is a global issue, but many consumers won't wear them because they are simply not the right size."

As regulated medical devices, condoms must conform to international standards such as those developed by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and the ASTM (American Society for Testing Methods). These standards mandate which sizes of condoms are available, and have led to more than 90% of condoms produced being around the same size. But the TheyFit range expands massively on that – 95 sizes are available varying in width from 1.6 to 2.8 inches and length from 3.2 to 9.6 inches.

To order TheyFit condoms, men measure themselves with a FitKit (available for free at www.theyfit.com) to discover their unique custom fit fitting code to give them the best fitting condom. Condoms are then ordered and delivered from www.theyfit.com.

James Trussell, Faculty Associate of the Office of Population Research at Princeton University, and author or co-author of over 300 scientific publications - primarily in the areas of reproductive health and demographic methodology - believes in the importance of custom fitting condoms. 

"Having a wider range of condom sizes made available would be a strong step forward for public health," Trussell explains, "therefore, international standard organizations and medical regulatory bodies should authorize and allow an expanded range of condom sizes."

Nelson believes there is a direct correlation between the low rates of condom use worldwide and the lack of appropriately sized condoms. "Imagine trying to encourage people to wear shoes, or women to wear bras, if all you had available were one or two sizes. It would be an impossible task and it's perfectly comparable with condoms today - there simply aren't the sizes necessary to fit men correctly and that is at the heart of the problem. Men won't wear condoms if they don't fit. That's where TheyFit comes in."

About TheyFit

TheyFit® condoms are a revolutionary new range of custom fit condoms available in an unprecedented 95 different sizes to ensure the perfect fit for every man.

Launched in December 2011 TheyFit® condoms have revolutionized the concept of condoms by recognizing for the first time the importance of a comfortable fit when using a condom. Problems with the fit of current 'one size fits all' condoms have long been recognized; a 2010 study reported 45% of men complaining that their condoms did not fit.

[1] "Condoms and HIV prevention: Position statement by UNAIDS, UNFPA and WHO," UNAIDS.com, March 19, 2009. http://www.unaids.org/en/Resources/PressCentre/Featurestories/2009/March/20090319preventionposition/

[2] "Does it fit okay? Problems with condom use as a function of self-reported poor fit," British Medical Journal, Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2010, 86:36–8.

Contact:  Christopher Spina
(908) 249-2327

SOURCE TheyFit