Female Condoms and Anal Sex

What is the female condom?
In Canada, the female condom is called the Reality Female Condom and is from The Female Health Company and is designed for vaginal sex. Female condoms have an inner and outer polyurethane ring and a thin, loose-fitting polyurethane sheath. The inner ring is inside of the sheath which is inserted into the vagina while the outer ring is left outside of the vagina.

Female Condoms and Anal Sex
“FC female condoms are not specifically approved or recommended for anal sex. There are reports from all over the world, however, that the original FC has been used for anal sex. Several studies have been done and published and others are on-going.” (The Female Health Company, n.d.)

Some of the concerns with using female condoms for anal sex include slippage of the female condom, the penis being accidentally inserted beside the female condom, anal discomfort, tearing and bleeding.

The 2003 study, “Safety and acceptability of the Reality condom for anal sex among men who have sex with men” reported the following conclusions “Men reported more frequent problems with Reality condoms than male latex condoms used for anal intercourse, particularly slippage, discomfort, and rectal bleeding. Design modifications, training, and research on the clinical significance of safety outcomes are needed for use of Reality condoms with anal sex.” (University of Washington, 2003)

Based on the current recommendations and approval for use of the female condom, as well as some of the potential problems associated with use for anal sex, we recommend the use of a latex male condom, with water based lube, as currently the best option for safer anal sex.

What if I still want to use female condoms for anal sex?
As a harm reduction approach for individuals who have decided to use female condoms for anal sex, NAM – AIDS Map a UK base HIV/AIDS information provider, has the following “Provisional guidelines for anal sex with female condoms” which can be found at: http://www.aidsmap.com/en/docs/A85BA23D-6F72-4CD2-90A4-D914A60BEF79.asp


References
The Female Condom Company. (n.d.). (n.t.). Retrieved November 24, 2008 http://www.femalehealth.com/QAs_PL.htm#q8
NAM. (2004). Female condoms for anal sex. Retrieved November 24, 2008 http://www.aidsmap.com/en/docs/A85BA23D6F72-4CD2-90A4-D914A60BEF79.asp
University of Washington/Seattle HPTU. (2003). Safety and acceptability of the Reality condom for anal sex among men who have sex with men. Retrieved November 24, 2008 http://depts.washington.edu/hptu/realityabstract1.html