Acceptability of the female condom among sex workers in Thailand: results from a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The female condom may provide women with the first female-controlled barrier method that is effective against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. GOAL: This study evaluated the acceptability of the female condom among sex workers in Thailand. STUDY DESIGN: Data on use and acceptability of the female condom were collected using a structured questionnaire during an 8-week follow-up. RESULTS: Analyses included 148 women who were still in follow-up at week 8. Sex workers used, on average, 2.8 female condoms per week. The overall satisfaction rate with the female condom was 68%, although, among users, 31% had difficulties in device insertion, 37% had pain from the inner ring, and 22% reported itching sensations. The main reason for using the female condom in the future was its perceived safety, and the main reason for not using it would be the client's refusal. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of the sex workers were satisfied with the female condom. Difficulties at insertion, discomfort during use, and clients' attitude were potential obstacles to the use of the female condom in the future.

Acceptability of the vaginal sheath (Femshield) in Thai couples.

A small survey to assess the perception and experience of current family planning users and their husbands was carried out in a university family planning clinic. Women routinely visiting the clinic were asked to complete a short Screening Form. Fifty-six women responded to the questionnaire concerning their attitude to the Femshield. Eighteen volunteers agreed to enter the study and were given verbal instruction on use of the device. Each volunteer was provided with 3-5 Femshields. Participants were asked to return to the clinic one month after admission. A Husband Form was then sent to the home of the volunteers to assess the attitude of their husbands. Thirteen volunteers returned for the follow-up visit. Fifty Femshields were used. The results showed that the volunteers found the vaginal insertion of the device was acceptable, but the outer and inner rings of the device caused an uncomfortable feeling when having intercourse. The volunteers were more positive to the device than their spouses. The sexual satisfaction of both partners was reduced. A few couples suggested that the device be modified with the bag being smaller and thinner, the outer and inner rings reduced in size and softer, and the device itself being in a prelubricated packet.

Long-term follow-up of laparoscopic sterilizations by electrocoagulation, the Hulka clip and the tubal ring.

A follow-up study of 499 women who underwent sterilization between August 1973 and May 1976 at the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, and had long-term (4-12 years post-surgery) follow-up is described. Women were sterilized through participation in one of three studies conducted at this hospital. In the first study, 124 underwent sterilization using the Hulka clip via laparoscopy; 67.7% of these women returned for a long-term follow-up visit. In the second study, 300 women were randomly allocated to the Hulka clip or to unipolar electrocoagulation (cautery) via laparoscopy; 70.7% of the women from this study returned for a long-term follow-up visit. The final study was a randomized trial comparing the tubal ring and unipolar electrocoagulation occlusion techniques in 300 cases. Long-term follow-up visits were recorded for 207 women (69.0%) from this study. Five technical failures (procedures not performed or completed as planned) and six non-interval cases were excluded from follow-up analyses. A total of 713 interval patients were eligible for follow-up. Long-term follow-up was initiated in 1978 and continued through 1986. Late sequelae of sterilization, including pregnancies and pelvic surgery, are discussed with regard to type and time of tubal occlusion. One intrauterine and two ectopic pregnancies were reported among women who were sterilized with cautery; one ectopic pregnancy was reported by a woman sterilized with the Hulka clip. Pelvic or abdominal surgeries were reported in 27 cases. Most (greater than 98%) women indicated that they were satisfied with their sterilization procedure.

PIP: A follow-up study of 499 women who underwent sterilization between August 1973 and may 1976 at the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, and had long-term (4-12 years post-surgery) follow-up is described. Women were sterilized through participation in one of 3 studies conducted at this hospital. In the 1st study, 124 underwent sterilization using the Hulka clip via laparoscopy; 67.7% of these women returned for a long-term follow-up visit. In the second study, 300 women were randomly allocated to the Hulka clip or to unipolar electrocoagulation (cautery) via laparoscopy; 70.0% of the women from this study returned for a long-term follow-up visit. The final study was a randomized trial comparing the tubal ring and unipolar electrocoagulation occlusion techniques in 300 cases. Long-term follow- up visits were recorded for 207 women (69.0%) from this study. 5 technical failures (procedures not performed or completed as planned) and 6 non-interval cases were excluded from follow-up analyses. A total of 713 interval patients were eligible for follow-up. Long-term follow- up was initiated in 1978 and continued through 1986. Late sequelae of sterilization, including pregnancies and pelvic surgery are discussed with regard to type and time of tubal occlusion. 1 intrauterine and 2 ectopic pregnancies were reported among women who were sterilized with cautery; 1 ectopic pregnancy was reported by a women sterilized with the Hulka clip. Pelvic or abdominal surgeries were reported in 27 cases. Most (98%) women indicated that they were satisfied with their sterilization procedure.