The purpose of the booklet is to provide factual information that can be used to foster a positive attitude towards condom use. The message is kept simple and focused on responding to common, reoccurring myths, misperceptions, and fears related to condoms and condom use. It provides accurate evidence-based information to support the fact that consistent use of male or female condoms is highly effective at preventing unintended pregnancy, the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Although the female condom has been on the market for more than ten years, the supply and adoption of this device, which protects against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, is still too low to have an impact on the AIDS epidemic. This publication, a follow up to the 2005 Global Consultation on the Female Condom, answers key questions about the female condom. It presents evidence about its effectiveness and impact, identifies challenges to wider use and suggests steps to strengthen condom programming worldwide.

This revised Interagency List of Essential Medicines for Reproductive Health presents the current international consensus on rational selection of essential reproductive health medicines. The list is intended to support decisions regarding the production, quality assurance, national procurement and reimbursement schemes of these medicines.