The female condom (Femidom)--a study of user acceptability

To determine the acceptability of the female condom (Femidom).

Questionnaire survey following the use of the Femidom during sexual intercourse.

Groote Schuur and Somerset Hospitals, Cape Town.

Nurses, secretaries, doctors and domestic staff of Groote Schuur and Somerset Hospitals who volunteered-61 women were recruited, 8 did not use any female condoms, and 1 did not return. Many women refused, mainly because of the unaesthetic appearance of the Femidom and the fact that they had to continue using their regular contraceptive and they did not think their partners would co-operate.

Sexual responsivity compared with that without Femidom; acceptability of the method; women's and their partners' enjoyment of using the method; comparison with the male condom; awareness of HIV-AIDS and protective measures that can be used.

Of the 52 participants, 23 used all 10 Femidoms issued to them. Thirteen women and 18 of their partners did not enjoy using the method and 9 had problems with it. Sex with the Femidom was the same or better in 51.9%. The Femidom was unacceptable in 32.7%, acceptable in 52% and very acceptable in 13.4%. Compared with the male condom, 50% of women and 44.2% of men considered the Femidom as good or better. Of the 61 women, 59 had heard of AIDS, and awareness of protective measures was good.

There was resistance to accepting the Femidom, mainly because of its unaesthetic appearance and because women were participating for altruistic reasons. Acceptance and ease of application improved with use. Comments regarding problems and subjects' and their partners' enjoyment varied from extremely positive to extremely negative; 65.4% considered sex using the Femidom acceptable or very acceptable. It is important to inform and obtain co-operation from the male partner. The female condom has been developed as an alternative for women to use if their partners refuse or dislike using male condoms. Perfect use of the Femidom may reduce the annual risk of acquiring HIV by more than 90% in women who are sexually active with an infected male. The efficacy of the female condom has been described as equal to that of the diaphragm. The Femidom will increase the range of choices of contraceptives and prophylactic methods available for protective sex. It should become accepted as a method of contraception and an adjunct to other contraceptive methods as a prophylactic against sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS, particularly in relationships that are not mutually monogamous.