Funding Source: HIV Center Pilot Studies Program; 2008-2009

Principal Investigator:
Elizabeth Kelvin, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Project Overview
(from abstract of research plan)

Unprotected anal intercourse is a well-established risk factor for HIV and other sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM). The male condom is the only method currently recommended for use during anal sex to protect against STIs. The female condom is a physical barrier that was approved for vaginal use to protect against STIs, but not for anal use. While there have been no studies on the efficacy of the female condom for anal sex, and only a few inconclusive safety studies, empirical evidence indicates that the female condom is already being used as an alternative to the male condom during anal sex by some men who have sex with men (MSM). Thus, there is an urgent need to evaluate the safety and efficacy of anal use of the female condom so that people can make informed choices about the methods they use to protect themselves during anal intercourse. To address this need, we propose to conduct a pilot study to describe the current use of the female condom for anal
intercourse among men attending the Geffen Center at Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and collect data to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a Phase 1 safety and acceptability study of the use of the female condom for anal intercourse in this population.