A. Efficacy

In order to be accepted, the female condom must be shown to be effective against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Studies looking at its effectiveness against unwanted pregnancy suggest that, when used correctly and consistently, the overall probability of failure for the female condom is not statistically different from probabilities of failure for the diaphragm, the sponge, or cap. It also falls within the same efficacy range as the male condom.

Although little completed research examines the female condom’s effectiveness against STDs, initial findings suggest that the female condom provides protection similar to that of the male condom. One study among commercial sex workers in

Thailand suggests that when women and men are given a choice between the male and female condom, rates of STD infection are one third lower than when individuals are only given the choice of a male condom. This result suggests that increasing a client/consumer’s choice greatly contributes to the decrease in STD incidence.