Analysis of the use of the female condom in students of a private university in Cali, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. The female condom is an effective barrier method to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy; it allows the improvement of the sexual and reproductive health of women and their partners. Using it presents barriers in sociocultural, economic, religious and psychological aspects, which can be overcome through promotion and education. The objective of this article is to analyze the use of the female condom in university students of a health program. Methodology. Quasi-experimental study, with convenience sampling carried out in 82 students, organized in a group of 74 women, and another of 8 men, who used the female condom in their sexual intercourse during a period of three months. They recognized the advantages, disadvantages, feelings and reactions of the partner. Results. The advantages established by all men and 70% of women is to place the female condom before sexual intercourse; in the same way, 39.2% of women and 37.2% of men indicate as an advantage the possibility to use it until the end of the intercourse. The identified disadvantages include that 54.1% of women's partners do not like to use it, 40.5% of women find it difficult to insert, and for 33.8% of them, it decreases sexual pleasure. In men, the disadvantages identified were the decrease in pleasure in sexual intercourse, 87.5% of their partners do not like to use it, and 62.5% of men express difficulty in inserting it. Discussion. The use of the female condom is limited by the conditions of access and availability. The procedure for inserting the device in women requires prior training and specific information for its use.  Conclusion. The use of the female condom is a viable alternative to have safe sex. Men show greater rejection when sexual pleasure is affected.