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Contraception - Background information
How effective is the female condom in preventing in sexually transmitted infections?

  • Evidence supports the use of female condoms to reduce the risk of several sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, even with consistent and correct use, infections may still be transmitted [FFPRHC, 2007a].
    • Experimental or observational studies have found that the consistent and correct use of female condoms reduces the risk of transmission of the following organisms [FFPRHC, 2007a]:
      • Chlamydia trachomatis
      • Neisseria gonorrhoeae
      • Trichomonas vaginalis
    • Extrapolating from evidence on the above organisms, the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), formerly the Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Healthcare (FFPRHC), concluded that consistent and correct use of female condoms may reduce the risk of infection by organisms with similar modes of transmission [FFPRHC, 2007a]:
      • Herpes simplex virus.
      • Genital human papilloma virus.
      • Syphilis.
    • Evidence from laboratory studies suggests that consistent and correct use of female condoms is likely to reduce HIV transmission [FFPRHC, 2007a].
    • The efficacy of female condoms in preventing transmission of hepatitis A, B, and C is unknown. However, during infectious episodes the female condom may be recommended for preventing transmission of hepatitis A and C [FFPRHC, 2007a].

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