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Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers

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Family Planning

A GLOBAL HANDBOOK FOR PROVIDERS

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Correcting Misunderstandings (see also Questions and Answers)

Female condoms:

  • Cannot get lost in the woman's body.
  • Are not difficult to use, but correct use needs to be learned.
  • Do not have holes that HIV can pass through.
  • Are used by married couples. They are not only for use outside marriage.
  • Do not cause illness in a woman because they prevent semen or sperm from entering her body.
Why Some Women Say They Like Female Condoms
  • Women can initiate their use
  • Have a soft, moist texture that feels more natural than male latex condoms during sex
  • Help protect against both pregnancy and STIs, including HIV
  • Outer ring provides added sexual stimulation for some women
  • Can be used without seeing a health care provider
Why Some Men Say They Like Female Condoms
  • Can be inserted ahead of time so do not interrupt sex
  • Are not tight or constricting like male condoms
  • Do not dull the sensation of sex like male condoms
  • Do not have to be removed immediately after ejaculation
 

Two hands holding condom

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