Abstract
30 female prostitutes and 16 persons from the hospital staff each tested 10 latex condoms by vaginal intercourse. Six dropped out. Condom rupture occurred at least once for 7/40 persons (95% confidence interval 7–33%). Total condom rupture rate was 5%. Although encouragement to condom use is prudent in an epidemiological scale, truly safe sex with an HIV-positive partner using condoms is a dangerous illusion.