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Contraception - Management
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the female condom?
- Advantages:
- It has no known adverse effects.
- It reduces the risk of some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
- It may protect against cervical cancer.
- It can be used with oil-based products.
- It is less likely to tear than the latex male condom.
- It can be inserted anytime before sex.
- Some men prefer the freer sensations during the penetrative phase of intercourse.
- It can be used if either partner is allergic to latex.
- Disadvantages:
- It requires careful insertion.
- It can be dislodged, or the penis can be inserted between the vaginal wall and the female condom.
- They require motivation at each act of intercourse.
- They are not as effective at preventing pregnancy as hormonal and intrauterine methods.
- It can be noisy during intercourse.
[DTB, 1993; Belfield, 1999; FFPRHC, 2007a; FFPRHC, 2007d]
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