Can the female condom be reused?

One other possible solution to the expense of female condoms in resource-poor settings is to reuse them. Although the FC female condom is designed as a single-use product, there have been reports of reuse. In Zimbabwe, 2.2% of users in a study reported reusing the female condom for reasons of cost, inadequate supply, saving time and mere experimentation.¹

It is unclear how much reuse currently takes place worldwide, and whether there is any increased risk for the woman and/or her partner—but more research on this option, including simplified disinfection protocols and the potential for reuse of the new FC2, are needed.

In 2002, the World Health Organization issued a statement saying it does not recommend or promote reuse of female condoms, but it did publish a draft protocol that includes guidance on disinfecting, washing, drying, storing and relubricating female condoms intended for reuse.²

This advice includes:

• Soaking the condom in a 1:20 solution of household bleach for between two and five minutes.

• Washing the condom in soap and water to remove all traces of bleach, lubricant and ejaculate.

• Air-drying the condom, turning it inside out to ensure both sides are dry.

• Relubricating, preferably with silicone or water-based lubricants, though with the polyurethane condom alone oil-based ones such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, and vegetable oil or fat.

• Condoms should be reused no more than five times.