Access to and a basic understanding of good research is one of the most important tools in a health professional’s toolbox.

LEARNING WITH THE DATA

Often research gives you the data to back up what your experience has told you to be true. However, research can also teach you something new in order to help you improve your programs and services.  Research also puts important data at your fingertips to help you secure funding and support.

The articles below will help you say with certainty that:

FC2 GLOBAL FEMALE CONDOM RESEARCH

The safety and effectiveness of FC2 female condoms has been researched by several international health agencies. This has led to the widespread approval of the FC2 female condom. The approvals are an assurance of the high quality of FC2. The FC2 female condom has been approved by:

  • The World Health Organization (WHO).
  • The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
  • The European Union (CE Mark).
  • Numerous national health agencies, including India, South Africa and Brazil.

Currently FC2 is the only female condom in the world that meets high quality standards set by the United States Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

INTERESTING RESEARCH RESULTS

The FC2 female condom and its predecessor FC1 have been the subject of extensive research around the world, both in clinical settings and in ‘real life’ projects. Findings from these studies have repeatedly demonstrated that:

  • There is an increase in the number of protected sex acts when both female condoms and male condoms are both accessible to men and women.
  • FC1/FC2 is acceptable to a wide range of women and men, providing it is introduced with carefully designed programs.
  • FC1/FC2 is highly effective in preventing both pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
  • There is a clear economic return of investment when governments and donors invest in buying female condoms.

FIND MORE DETAILS

Research Note: The Female Health Company (FHC) produces the FC2 Female Condom. In 2009, FC2 replaced the first generation FC1 Female Condom, also produced by FHC. FC1 and FC2 are sometimes known by different names (for example, Femidom and Reality). The studies included here and most of the female condom research conducted around the world have been conducted using FHC’s FC1 and FC2 Female Condoms. While other female condom prototypes do exist, it is important to note that they are not necessarily made of the same material, follow the same instructions for use, or have established safety and efficacy of use as the FC1 or FC2 Female Condoms.