This article addresses heterosexual men's familiarity with the female condom and their attitudes toward this barrier method. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 71 ethnically diverse and heterosexually active men who were recruited in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics or through word of mouth in communities with high HIV/STD seroprevalence in New York City during fall 1994 to fall 1995. Only one man reported previous experience with the female condom. The large majority of men had no or limited knowledge of the female condom. Men's reactions to learning about this method ranged from positive to negative, although most men reported willingness to have sex with a partner who wanted to use the female condom. Positive reactions included: endorsement of a woman-controlled condom and her right to use it, the potential for enhancing one's sexual pleasure, and an eagerness to have a new sexual experience. Negative reactions centered on the "strangeness" and "bigness" of the female condom, concerns about prevention efficacy, and concerns about reductions in sexual pleasure. Our findings highlight the need for HIV prevention programs that target heterosexual men and promote the use of the female condom.
PIP: Clinical trials suggest that the female condom is highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV/STDs if used properly. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 71 ethnically, educationally, and occupationally diverse and heterosexually active men aged 18-38 years recruited in STD clinics or through word of mouth in New York City communities with high HIV/STD seroprevalence during fall 1994 to fall 1995. 50.7% of the men were Black, 25.4% were Hispanic, and 16.9% were White. The men's median annual income was $12,600, and about two thirds were currently involved in some type of steady relationship. Only 1 man reported ever using the female condom, while most men had either no or limited knowledge of the female condom. Men's reactions to learning about the method ranged from positive to negative, although most men reported a willingness to have sex with a partner who wanted to use the female condom. Positive reactions to the condom included the endorsement of a woman-controlled condom and her right to use it, the potential for enhancing one's sexual pleasure, and an eagerness to have a new sexual experience, while negative reactions focused upon the strangeness and large size of the female condom, and concerns about prevention efficacy and reductions in sexual pleasure. These findings point to the need for HIV prevention programs which target heterosexual men and promote the use of the female condom.