$Unique_ID{BRK02156}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Female Condom}
$Subject{Female Condom preferable safe women alternative effective protection
pregnancy disease pregnant sheath ring diaphragm sex birth control}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Locations of Female Contraceptives*0002002.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Female Condom


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QUESTION:  Are you prepared to offer any comments about the new female condom?
Is it preferable to the male version, and is it safe?  I know a lot of women
who would appreciate your opinion.

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ANSWER:  It is at least a safe alternative for a woman to use when her partner
refuses to assume the responsibility; but it is not as effective nor as cheap.
The female condom (said to be named after an 18th century English physician,
by the name of Conton, credited with inventing it) is less effective than the
male variety in protection against both pregnancy and disease, and the Food
and Drug Administration is requiring the manufacturer (Wisconsin Pharmacal) to
include this information in the labeling of the product.  In one study of 150
women who used the condom for 6 months a reported 32.5 percent became
pregnant, a number disputed by the manufacturer.  The condom consists of a
polyurethane sheath with a ring on each end, one placed over the cervix like a
diaphragm, and the other remaining outside.  It will cost about $2.50 per
condom, but as Dr. David Kessler, the Commissioner of the FDA, stated, "it is
better than no protection at all."

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.