FC2 Female Condom and the Zika Virus
Statement: The Female Health Company (FHC), makers of the FC2 Female Condom, has been dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women around the world for over 20 years. The Zika virus outbreak, a serious international issue has the potential to become a global epidemic. There is an increasing body of evidence indicating a link between Zika virus and babies born with microcephaly as well as an increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome among adults. FHC continues to work closely with and be actively engaged in discussions with leading health organizations throughout the world including North America and South America. Our goal is to address the health needs of women – providing information and access to an effective option to protect women from sexually transmitted infections including Zika and unintended pregnancy. The FC2 Female Condom is part of a multi-faceted approach health organizations use and consider to combat the spread and the dangerous impact of the Zika virus. The Female Health Company remains committed to help address this critical health issue.
Extended Summary: The World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have publically stated that the Zika virus is a sexually transmitted infection, and only condoms (both male and female) are indicated to prevent the disease. With over 20 years of safety, effectiveness, and acceptability data available, the FC2 Female Condom provides proven dual protection for prevention of both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including Zika and HIV/AIDS.
Studies have found that female condoms, when offered alongside male condoms, increase the number of protected sex acts. The data shows that when there is more choice there is more protected sex. Offering both FC2 Female Condoms and male condoms is good public health practice.
FC2 offers many benefits for sexual health, such as:
- FC2 can provide more coverage of the external female genitalia helping to prevent skin to skin transmission.
- FC2 is latex free, making it a positive alternative for women and men with latex allergies or sensitivities.
- FC2 is made of nitrile which is thinner, but stronger than latex.
- FC2 is an over-the-counter female contraceptive that can be prescribed to patients with no out-of-pocket expense per the Affordable Care Act.
- FC2 can be inserted in advance of the sex act.
Not all women are in a relationship where their male partners can or will wear a condom, and women can have control over their protection and peace of mind by using the FC2 Female Condom.
Zika is not the only STI that threatens the health and well-being of women and their families. For example, untreated syphilis in pregnant women results in infant death in up to 40 percent of cases and last year over 450 newborns were born with severe health implications from a congenital syphilis epidemic that we already have in this country.
It is clear that women cannot use the FC2 as a prevention tool unless they have access to and education about the product. We want to work with national and local partners to ensure FC2 education and product is widely available throughout communities.
For over two decades Female Health Company has been partnering with community based organizations, local and national health departments, AIDS Services Organization, and national public health agencies to increase awareness of and access to female condoms, a tool that can improve women’s choice and women’s health.
The Female Health Company can provide whatever educational materials providers may need in both English and Spanish. FC2 is an important tool in the Zika response, offering an empowering option in dual protection from STIs and unplanned pregnancy.
