Reality Check

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Reality Check

Village Voice (05/21/96) Vol. 91, No. 21, P. 15
Galtney, Smith

Abstract: The female condom is being distributed in San Francisco health clinics for gay men to use as an alternative to male condoms, but the New York City health department does not plan to offer them and says it is not aware of their use for anal sex. A receptive condom for anal sex would provide an option for men who dislike using condoms, but it will not be considered by the Food and Drug Administration as long as sodomy remains illegal in many states. No one knows if the female condom, marketed under the name Reality, is effective against HIV transmission when used anally, but it does offer advantages over the male condom. Reality is made of polyurethane, which is 40 percent stronger than the latex in male condoms, and has been proven to be an effective barrier against HIV and hepatitis. AIDS activists and gay groups have tried to increase awareness and availability of the female condom for gay men, and some groups have offered instructions specifically for anal use. Reality, however, is more expensive than male condoms--one reason why it may not be offered in public health clinics.

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