Effectiveness of the female condom in preventing HIV and sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The effectiveness of female condoms for preventing HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains inconclusive. We examined the effects of female condoms on the acquisition of HIV and STIs.

Methods: We searched four databases, two trial registries, and reference lists of relevant publications in October 2018 and updated our search in February 2020.

Effectiveness of female condom in preventing HIV and sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review protocol.

Introduction: The HIV pandemic continues to evolve with young women being the most vulnerable group to acquire infection. The presence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) further enhances HIV susceptibility and also leads to long-term complications such as infertility and cervical cancer. The female condom is a self-initiated method for STI and HIV prevention but there are controversies on its effects.