A review of female-condom effectiveness: patterns of use and impact on protected sex acts and STI incidence.

Abstract

We conducted a systematic review of 137 articles and abstracts related to various aspects of the female condom, as well as a closer analysis of five randomized controlled trials on effectiveness. These five studies indicated strongly the benefits of female-condom use in increasing protected sex acts, and two studies found promising decreases in sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence with the introduction of the female condom. Ten studies provided detailed information on patterns of long-term use, many suggesting that the female condom reaches women less likely to use other dual protection methods. There exists limited but convincing evidence that the female condom is effective in increasing protected sex and decreasing STI incidence among women. Future research on the female condom must move away from assessing acceptability and focus on assessing effectiveness and improving impact in diverse settings.

• Authors: Gowri Vijayakumar, Zonke Mabude, Jenni Smit, Mags Beksinska, Mark Lurie
• Journal: International journal of STD & AIDS (Int J STD AIDS) Vol. 17 Issue 10 Pg. 652-9 (Oct 2006) ISSN: 0956-4624 [Print] England
• PMID: 17059633 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review, Systematic Review)

Topics

• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Condoms, Female
• Female
• Global Health
• Humans
• Incidence
• Safe Sex
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (epidemiology, prevention & control)