Female Barrier Methods of Contraception
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Greetings and apologies for any cross-postings!
Network Vol. 20, No. 2 is now on-line. This issue of Family Health
International's (FHI) quarterly scientific bulletin focuses on female
barrier methods.
Read the full text of Network 20-2 on FHI's Web site at:
English: http://www.fhi.org/en/fp/fppubs/network/v20-2/index.html
French: http://www.fhi.org/fr/networkf/fv20-2/index.html
Spanish: http://www.fhi.org/sp/networks/sv20-2/index.html
Here is a brief summary of the issue and the articles it contains:
Network: Female Barrier Methods
Vol. 20, No. 2, 2000
Female barrier methods include the diaphragm, female condom and
spermicides. A number of experimental devices and microbicidal prod-
ucts are under development. In general, female barrier methods are
not as effective in preventing pregnancy as other modern methods, but
provide a degree of protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom offers the best
barrier protection against infections.
Microbicide Products Enter Human Trials
Scientists are evaluating more than 50 experimental substances as
possible vaginal microbicides to protect against HIV and other dis-
eases. Experimental microbicides in or nearing human trials use a va-
riety of mechanisms. Microbicide research faces challenges, including
how to determine effectiveness. Meanwhile, research is also examining
the possible use of commercially available spermicides as microbi-
cides.
How Effective Are Spermicides?
While spermicides appeal to some women, users should not expect sub-
stantial protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted dis-
eases. Nevertheless, they are often available without a prescription
or provider's help, and using them is easy and can sometimes be done
without a partner's knowledge.
New Devices May Be Easier to Use
Future versions of cervical caps and diaphragms should be easier to
insert and remove. Development of new contraceptive sponges seeks to
reduce vaginal irritation by lowering spermicide doses.
Female Condom Reuse Examined
If a female condom can be used safely and effectively more than once,
the method would be less expensive for people to use. Early research
by FHI and University of the Witwatersrand in Soweto, South Africa,
on reuse is encouraging. Meanwhile, a recent Zimbabwe project pro-
motes female condom use, illustrating the limitations of generating
widespread public interest in the device.
User, Partner Attitudes Influence Barrier Use
At a time when AIDS has become a devastating public health problem,
the role of female barrier methods to prevent sexually transmitted
diseases has taken on new importance. Scientists are examining how
and why couples use barrier methods, and what they like or do not
like about them. Promoting partner communication among users is one
aspect of how barrier methods can be used more effectively.
More than 1,500 full-text materials in English, Spanish and French
are available on our Web site:
http://www.fhi.org
FHI is committed to helping women and men have access to safe, effec-
tive, acceptable and affordable family planning methods to ensure
that they achieve their desired number and spacing of children; pre-
venting the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted dis-
eases (STDs); and improving the health of women and children.
David Hock
Senior Information Projects Coordinator
Family Health International
mailto:dhock@fhi.org
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