what does "perfect use" mean?

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

Hey Everyone,

Here's something I've been wondering about for awhile, that has been brought up in my mind again by a recent comment that I read.

What does perfect use mean? For example, with condoms, I was under the impression that the perfect use failure statistic would include those times when you used the condom properly, but it broke. However, someone recently indicated that they don't believe that those breakages are included in the perfect use statistic.

Also, I think that typical use includes times when couples decide not to use a method - for example with withdrawal, typical use would include those times when you just don't want him to withdraw quite yet, and so he comes in you. But I'm not sure.

Can anyone offer some concrete definitions? I just read that perfect use refers to the method failure, where as typical use refers to user failure...but I'm just wondering how inclusive that is I suppose.

EDIT!! Here's another question: How do they determine perfect use??

Comments

[cfoxrun.livejournal.com]

I always thought perfect use was putting on a condom the right way (removing air from the tip and all that stuff) before the penis got anywhere near the vagina, and "typical" use was like.. having sex a bit beforehand, then rushing a condom in the last 5 mins or so, not bothering to make sure if it is on perfectly.

I might be wrong though.

[threnody.livejournal.com]

My understanding of perfect use is following the instructions to the letter and doing so every single time. So, for condom use, I'd say typical use might include things like only putting it on after there's vaginal contact, or not holding it on upon withdrawal (allowing for leaking or slipping), or not using it every single time.

For the pill, perfect use (to me) would be taking it at the exact same time every day (+/- 5 min or so), where typical use might be where you take it within an hour or two of the same time every day, or skipping a pill now and then because you forgot. (Which is why I will never use the pill, because I'm forgetful liek whoa.)

[subarashiine.livejournal.com]

Yesss this is almost exactly how I feel about it :D

[laurensellscorn.livejournal.com]

She said it all! Perfect use allows only method failure; no error on regard of the user.

However, perfect use for the pill is a little more generous to my understanding.. if you take it around the same time every day. Like say, you take it with breakfast every morning, and still take it in the morning versus afternoon every day, you're a perfect user.

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

Ok, but that's sort of what I already knew. So, what about non-compliance or inconsistent use? Is that included in the stats at all? What about when the method blatantly fails through no fault of the user?

[laurensellscorn.livejournal.com]

Non-compliance, inconsistent use, or failure to follow the directions in some way (like not using a backup method during antibiotic use or gastrointestinal illness) is typical use.

Any failure due solely to the method, while following the instructions exactly with no interfering circumstances is perfect use. :)

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

Ok, that's what I thought. Thanks for clarifying. :)

[tenna.livejournal.com]

I think inconsistent use falls under 'typical' use, unless it's very extreme (say you're taking your pills very few and far between). With most people, there will always be some inconsistency. Say, you USUALLY take your pill at the same time, but for a couple days you were late, for that period of time (and the seven days after it), you'd fall within typical use for the pill, though you USUALLY fall with perfect use.

[tenna.livejournal.com]

I agree with this, though would like to add:

I think perfect use ALSO includes keeping the product (if one is included, as with withdrawal you do not have a physical 'item') as described (no extreme temperatures, keeping pills in a dry area, not allowing condoms to get 'beat up' even in the wrapper, etc.).

[jadeserenity.livejournal.com]

I agree with the above.

[tenna.livejournal.com]

I wish there were some way to do a reliable study on how many people use the product perfectly, but don't keep the product perfectly (and how many pregnancies that results in). I know a lot of people who keep condoms in a wallet, or pocket, where heat and friction could potentially reduce it's effectiveness.

[jadeserenity.livejournal.com]

That would be interesting! We always keep ours under our bed, but I didn't always keep my pills in perfect conditions.

[queensugar.livejournal.com]

As others mentioned, "perfect use" for any method essentially means using it exactly as directed, with no variation from the recommendations made on how to use the recommendation.

In other words: perfect use failures are pure method failure. Typical use failure rates, however, would include both method failure and user failure together.

"Typical use" definitely means that the method is not necessarily used every single time, or in every single risk situation. For instance, "typical use" of condoms would cover user error in putting the condom on and removing it, as well as situations like having PIV penetration before putting a condom on to orgasm.

"Typical use" of withdrawal would mean, among many other things, ejaculating in the vagina or withdrawing so close to ejaculation that some ejaculate ended up at the opening of the vagina.

[nephron.livejournal.com]

Other things that might cover "typical use" for condoms are not pinching the tip, and not having adequate lubrication.

[pocochina.livejournal.com]

I think the other thing with condoms and perfect use is that they can only count manufacturing issues. So say you use the condom every time, but you keep them next to your radiator - that could cause a breakage, but it's still not perfect use. I'm not 100%, though.