Male partner involvement and assistance in female condom use

Abstract

Objective To investigate how males assist their partners in using the female condom.

Methods A multi-site, randomized, cross-over trial was conducted to test the performance and acceptability of the Reality® female condom compared to a prototype similar in design and appearance but made of synthetic latex (FC2). In this study women were asked about male partner assistance in FC use.

Results Partner assistance in FC use was similar across FC type. Of the women who returned for the first follow-up visit (n = 233), just over a third (35.2%) reported that the male partner assisted in the insertion compared to 26.4% of the 201 women who returned for the second visit. In most cases where the partner assisted, the device was inserted using the inner ring, as recommended in the instructions for use. A small number (6%) mentioned that partners assisted in removal.

Conclusion Men have a role to play in the use of the female condom and are willing to assist their partners in using it.

Keywords:

• Female condom
• Barrier method
• Men