Question 11

Tripod: What do you think of the female condom?
Do you have an answer to share? Click on the question.

Lydia
Female Escort

I've seen it. I saw it when I was in London. I thought, my god, what is that thing? I don't know. I haven't tried it, so I really can't give you my opinion on it.

John Troyer
Creator of the Safer Sex Page

I think it's a great idea. The funny thing is, when people look at it, they say, "That looks so strange, I could never use that." But the people who actually use it, really enjoy it. So it's something that everybody should at least try. They're rather expensive, much like the polyurethane condom. But it would be nice if people could get over that initial reaction.

Susan Yates
Gynecologist

I know it's out there. Personally, I have not had a lot of patients who are using it. It's a good idea, because it's nice for women to have choices. It's nice for women to have the sense that they have more control. And it probably protects the labia better against secretions. But I don't really know how well it works in a practical sense.

Bob
Straight Male

What is it? I haven't heard of that.

Kyoko Okamura
Harvard Peer Counselor

I have never personally used it, but talking to several people who have -- the women aren't very pleased with it, but the men are. The problem really is that it squeaks. I didn't believe it when I read it, but my friends told me. It's like, "What's that noise, honey?" Well, if it's not the bed, then it kind of worries you!

Michael Franz, Gay Male
Editor, Gaysource

I don't know. Some gay men are using it actually. There's been some experimenting with it. I don't know what to think about it. It seems like it's more hassle than the traditional condom. The traditional condom is easy to apply and easy to use. I don't know. It seems like it's just putting the responsibility of the contraception onto the other person. It's just shifting it. It should be a shared responsibility anyway, but I don't know what to say about it. I've never seen one -- except in photos.

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LydiaFemale Escort

John TroyerCreator of the Safer Sex Page

Susan YatesGynecologist

BobStraight Male