Consumer Preference Study of the Female Condom in a Sexually Active Population at Risk of Contracting AIDS

Abstract

During February 1989, in Khon Kaen, northeast Thailand,20 women at high risk of contracting sexually transmitted deseases were trained in the use of the female condom. Each voluntary participant in this trial was given a supply of 20 condoms and 4 bottles of lubricant. After two weeks, each of the women was inter viewed by researchers. The 20 volunteers reported having 247 episodes of vaginal intercourse in the two weeks and used the female condom in 78, or 32%, of epi sodes. The female condom was tolerated well by the women users but was not popular with male partners. Men found the female condom unattractive and com plained that it reduced sensation. Users reported that the (US manufactured) female condom was too long and wide and did not stay in place. The users generally expressed the view that, if the male partner did not object, the women would will ingly use a female condom. The conclusion of the author is that the female con dom will be acceptable to highly sexually active women in Thailand if (1) the partner does not object to the use of the female condom and (2) the design of the condom is appropriate for the Thai anatomy. (Thai J Obstet Gynaecol 1990; 2:103 109.)