Family Planning

Supporting the UserEnsure clientunderstandscorrect useAsk the client howmany condoms shethinks she will needuntil she can returnExplain why usinga condom withevery act of sexis importantExplain aboutemergencycontraceptivepills (ECPs)Discuss waysto talk aboutusing condomsóóóóóóóóAsk the client to explain the 5 basic steps ofusing the female condom while handling one.If a model is available, the client can practiceinserting the condom in the model and thentaking it out.Give plenty of condoms and, if available,lubricant.Tell the client where she can buy femalecondoms, if needed.Just one unprotected act of sex can lead topregnancy or STI—or both.If a condom is not used for one act of sex, tryto use one the next time. A mistake once ortwice does not mean that it is pointless to usecondoms in the future.Explain ECP use in case of errors in condomuse—including not using a condom—tohelp prevent pregnancy (see EmergencyContraceptive Pills, p. 45). Give ECPs ifavailable.Discuss skills and techniques for negotiatingcondom use with partners (see Bringing UpCondom Use, p. 201).Lubricants for Female CondomsPlastic female condoms come lubricated with a silicone-basedlubricant. Unlike most male condoms, which are made of latex,plastic condoms can be used with any type of lubricant—whethermade with water, silicone, or oil.Some female condoms come with additional lubricant in the package.Some clinics may be able to provide clients with more lubricant. Ifa client needs additional lubrication, she can also use clean water,saliva, any oil or lotion, or a lubricant made of glycerine or silicone.216 Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers