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Contraception - Management
What information should I give to a woman who is considering the female condom?

  • Provide information on:
    • The advantages and disadvantages of the female condom.
    • Correct use of the female condom.
    • Efficacy of the female condom in preventing pregnancy, and in preventing sexually transmitted infections.
      • Female condoms are likely to prevent transmission of all sexually transmitted infections if used consistently and correctly.
      • However, male latex condoms are recommended as being more effective in preventing transmission of HIV, genital herpes simplex virus, syphilis and gonorrhoea.
    • Precautions that may be necessary should the condom be displaced or break:
      • If there is a risk of infection, post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV infection should be considered.
      • If there is a risk of pregnancy, emergency contraception should be considered. For further information, see the CKS topic on Contraception - emergency.
    • Checking the expiry date.
    • Consider demonstrating use of the condom.

In depth

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