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Related Experiment Videos

Predictors of difficulty inserting the female condom.

Lynn Artz1, Michael Demand, LeaVonne Pulley

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and International Health, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.

Contraception
|April 3, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Many women face challenges inserting the female condom. Predictors of insertion difficulty include lack of experience with inserted contraceptives and indifference to their features, highlighting the need for skills training.

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Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Sexual Health
  • Contraception

Background:

  • The female condom is a key tool for sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention.
  • Understanding insertion challenges is crucial for effective uptake and consistent use of female condoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of initial difficulty inserting the female condom.
  • To identify predictors of insertion difficulty and refusal among women at risk for STDs.

Main Methods:

  • 1144 female STD clinic patients received instruction on female condom insertion.
  • Self-insertion practice was attempted, with correct placement verified by clinicians.
  • Logistic regression analyzed sociodemographic and psychosocial predictors of refusal and difficulty.

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Main Results:

  • Only 5% of participants refused self-insertion practice.
  • 25% of women attempting self-insertion experienced difficulty on their first attempt.
  • Predictors of refusal included no prior Papanicolaou smear, tampon use, or inserted STD/birth control methods. Predictors of difficulty included not expressing sexual likes, indifference to intravaginal methods, and longer fingernails.

Conclusions:

  • Insertion refusal and difficulty impact female condom use for a significant number of women.
  • Women refusing insertion showed aversion to intravaginal methods; those with difficulty had distinct profiles.
  • Targeted skills training, including supervised practice, can benefit women experiencing insertion difficulties.