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A Randomized Crossover Study Evaluating the Use and Acceptability of the SILCS Diaphragm Compared to Vaginal
Mags Beksinska1, Ross Greener2, Jenni Smit2
1MatCH Research Unit [Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit], Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, 3629, South Africa. mbeksinska@matchresearch.co.za.
Introduction:
This study aimed to assess acceptability and preferences for the SILCS diaphragm for vaginal gel delivery compared to a prefilled applicator.
Methods:
A randomized crossover study among 115 women in South Africa, using both methods during five sex acts.
Results:
We found no significant differences in acceptability between the two products. Experience of gel leakage after sex was greater when inserted via applicator. More women were interested in SILCS/gel for multipurpose protection (68%) than in either SILCS alone (17%) or microbicide gel alone (14%).
Conclusions:
A SILCS gel delivery system for multipurpose prevention seems feasible and acceptable.
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