A review of the effectiveness and acceptability of the female condom for dual protection

Abstract

The female condom remains the sole female-initiated method of dual protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV. We reviewed published data on the effectiveness and acceptability of the female condom for protection against pregnancy and infection. Overall, use of the female condom is low and several barriers hinder the wider adoption of the use of the method. Research on effectiveness has focussed on pregnancy, STIs and biological markers of semen exposure. Although the data available suggest that female condoms (or a mixture of female and male condoms) may provide similar degrees of protection against pregnancy and STIs as do latex male condoms alone, this conclusion has not been demonstrated and thus comparative research is urgently needed.

The Potential of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for Women in Violent Relationships

“…[26][27][28] Uptake and acceptability of such methods, however, remain low, 29 and partner violence may make it difficult for women to utilize female-controlled methods in practice. For example, the use of female condoms requires partner consent because female condoms are easily detectable.…”

Towards an integrated framework for accelerating the end of the global HIV epidemic among young people

“…Female condoms, an alternative to male condoms, have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission (French et al 2003; Gallo, Kilbourne-Brook, and Coffey 2012; Padian et al 2008). One advantage of female condoms is that women can actually apply them without reliance on male partners.…”

“…female condom self-efficacy) surrounding the usability and acceptability of female condoms that need to be better understood (French et al 2003; Gallo, Kilbourne-Brook, and Coffey 2012), as well as variability worldwide in accessibility and cost of female condoms (Gallo, Kilbourne-Brook, and Coffey 2012). Despite prior trials demonstrating effectiveness, the lack of consistent and correct use markedly reduces their effectiveness as an HIV prevention strategy that can be widely disseminated in most generalised epidemics (Gallo, Kilbourne-Brook, and Coffey 2012; O’Brien et al 2013). Variability in usability, acceptability, accessibility, and cost of condoms has been problematic in countries with generalised epidemics.…”

Condom use around the globe: how can we fulfil the prevention potential of male condoms?

“…56,68 Such design innovations in condoms are being made in an effort to make use more acceptable to broad populations of prospective users for STI prevention. [69][70][71][72] Though still representing a very small fraction (~0.2%) of the worldwide condom market, 73 condoms designed to be worn by women serve a specific need for female-controlled barriers, and are increasing in popularity and availability. 72 From a marketing standpoint, traditional condom marketing that focusses on the value of condoms in preventing STI (or unintended pregnancy) may need to be replaced by or supplemented with marketing that emphasises that sexual satisfaction is possible with the use of condoms for both men and women.…”