Rapid Review Response: Effectiveness of Female Condoms for preventing HIV/AIDS and Factors that Impact Uptake

The use of prophylactics in the prevention of HIV transmission has traditionally centered on the male condom. Negotiation of condom use has therefore been largely male-centric. The creation of the female condom ushered in a new era of female-controlled condom usage, leaving people hopeful that condom negotiation in HIV and STI prevention would reach greater parity. Since the female condom was introduced, there has been little information gathered on its efficacy and its widespread use. According to the literature, female condom use is still quite low (Bull et al, 2003). However, community-based HIV programs in Ontario reported a significant increase in demand for female condoms in 2008-09. Greater knowledge about the populations accessing female condoms, as well as where they access them, and whether they are a truly effective in preventing the spread of HIV is important to inform policy and programs that may incorporate female condoms as a viable HIV prevention option.