3. 3
Promising Futures Overview:
Through media, many adolescents are continually exposed to messages of sex, drugs, and
violence and some of these youth lack positive outlets to learn and express themselves.
Promising Futures is a youth development and health education program that teaches adolescents
safer sex health information and gives them tools to be peer educators in their community. The
program engages youth by using hip-hop, dance, writing, and performance as a teaching method.
The Promising Futures program gives adolescents from middle and high schools in Washington,
DC a safe and positive outlet to use their creativity while also learning positive health messages.
Youth take part for an academic year in various health programming like comprehensive sexual
education, HIV education, and healthy relationships.
FC2 Female CondomTraining Overview:
Washington, DC has the highest HIV infection in the United States. To combat this,
organizations around the city are putting money into prevention and testing efforts. Promising
Futures is one such program, teaching youth how they can help to prevent the spread of HIV in
their communities. The FC2 (female condom) training program is a 2-day program that teaches
youth female condom facts, use, and advantages, condom negotiation strategies, where they can
find female condoms in their community, and how to talk about and conduct outreach for female
condoms. It consists of both in classroom, demonstration, role play, and fieldwork activities. It
gives youth in the program the tools to be peer educators and to teach others about the benefits of
the FC2.
The training curriculum is divided into five lessons: FC2 Facts, FC2 Demonstration, Changing
Attitudes, Condom Negotiation, and Outreach and Advocacy in Practice. The broad spectrum of
lessons allows for youth to increase knowledge and attitudes toward FC2s and learn outreach
strategies to be FC2 advocates.
4. 4
Lesson One: FC2 Facts
45 minutes
Learning Objectives
After completing this lesson, program participants will be able to:
Describe the FC2 including what it is made from and its size.
Name 3 advantages of the FC2 over the male condom.
Name 3 differences between the FC1 and FC2.
Describe why the FC2 is an important tool for maintaining one’s reproductive health.
Agenda
Give youth the pre-test for knowledge/attitude evaluation.
Discuss FC2 perceptions
Review basic FC2 facts – what is the FC2, history of the female condom, differences
between FC1 and FC2, differences and advantages over the male condom.
Materials Needed
Knowledge/Attitude evaluation tool for each youth.
Pencils for each youth.
Activities
1. Give the youth the pre-test for knowledge evaluation (see Appendix 1), 10 minutes.
This tool will give baseline data for the youth’s knowledge of the FC2.
2. Discussion condom perceptions among youth, 15 minutes.
*Lead a discussion regarding perceptions toward and myths of male and female condoms.*
Let’s discuss attitudes toward the FC2 – maybe our own or others’. People can be hesitant to use
the FC2 because it’s new, unfamiliar, and it may just seem easier to use a male condom. Some
people think it’s weird looking or gross. What can we say to someone if they have a negative
attitude or perception of the FC2?
Sure it’s new, but wasn’t the male condom new at some point? You should give it a try.
You might find that you actually like having it as an option.
It might seem weird that the condom covers outside of the vagina, but the FC2 actually
adds protection from STDs because it prevents transmission through skin-to-skin contact.
It’s always good to have another option for protection. Some people actually try it and
find the FC2 can have benefits over the male condom.
3. Review basic FC2 facts. 20 minutes.
*Review FC2 facts, history of the FC1 and FC2, basic FC2 facts, and important differences
between the FC1 and FC2 and the FC2 and the male condom. Present the following information
to the youth.*
5. 5
What is a female condom?
A female condom is a condom that a female wears and can insert herself prior to sex.
It is made of a lubricated, non-latex sheath, from a thin, synthetic rubber called nitrile.
It is wider than a male condom, so that it fits to the vaginal wall, is the same length as a
male condom (6.5 inches), and warms to body temperature.
When inserted the inner ring and sheath fit inside the vagina, while the outer ring and a
portion of the sheath lie outside the vagina and cover the labia.
It is manufactured in the same way as a male condom, a mold dipped into nitrile. The
outer ring is formed by rolling a portion of the nitrile sheath (like a male condom is). The
inner ring is polyurethane, constructed separately, and placed inside the sheath.
*Show a picture or take an FC2 out, so the youth can see it as you’re describing it.*
What is the origin of the female condom?
The original female condom, the FC1, was made of two polyurethane sheets that were
welded together. While effective in preventing STIs and pregnancy, it received
complaints for being expensive to purchase. This was due to the manufacturing process.
The FC2 was made to be less expensive to produce and was approved for use in the US in
2009. An added benefit of the FC2 is it has more of the look and feel of the male
condom. It is more comfortable, warms to body temperature, and is less noisy than the
FC1.
Who can use the FC 2?
Individuals who are concerned about preventing unintended pregnancy and/or STIs.
Females who are menstruating.
Females who have recently given birth.
Females who have had a hysterectomy.
Females who are peri and postmenopausal.
Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to latex.
Men who have sex with men.
What are the benefits of the female condom?
Empowerment – females can insert and use the female condom and do not need to rely on
their male partners. It increases a female’s options in protecting herself.
The male does not need to have an erection to use the FC2, so it doesn’t need to be
removed immediately following intercourse.
It is effective in providing protection from STIs and unintended pregnancy. It provides
protection from STIs transmitted through vaginal/seminal fluids as well as skin-to-skin
contact.
It is safe for those with latex allergies.
The FC2 doesn’t feel tight or constricting – as some may say about male condoms.
It can be inserted up to 6 hours prior to sex.
Male Condom/Female Condom Comparison
Latex Male Condom FC 2 Female Condom
Rolled on the male’s penis. Inserted into the female’s vagina.
Made from latex Made from synthetic rubber.
Fits on the penis. Loosely lines the vagina
6. 6
Can only be put on an erect penis. Can be inserted prior to intercourse – doesn’t
need erect penis.
Must be removed immediately after
ejaculation.
Doesn’t need to be removed immediately after
ejaculation but should be removed before
female gets up.
Covers most of the penis and protects the
female’s internal genitalia.
Covers both the female’s internal and external
genitalia and the base of the penis – provides
more protection.
Little lubrication. Highly lubricated, helps during insertion and
intercourse.
Should only be used with water based
lubricants.
Can be used with oil or water based lubricants.
FC1/FC2 Comparison
FC1 FC2
Made of polyurethane. Made of nitrile.
Has a seam where the two sheets of
polyurethane are welded together.
Doesn’t have a seam.
Outer ring made of polyurethane and welded to
the sheath.
Outer ring made of rolled nitrile, from the
sheath.
Complaints about it being noisy/sounding like
a plastic bag.
Nitrile sheath fits to the walls of the vagina and
warms to the body, so there is no plastic bag
noise. Noise can mean you need more
lubricant.
Safety and efficacy The same
Insertion The same
How effective is FC 2?
It is quite similar to efficacy of the male condom. With correct use, the FC2 is 95%
effective against pregnancy and may reduce the risk of STDs, including HIV, when used
consistently and correctly every time. Typical use is 75-82% effective. Some reasons for
decreased efficacy are:
o A rip or tear in a condom (can be made before or during intercourse)
o The condom is not placed before the penis touches the vagina
o Failure to use a condom each time you have intercourse
o Rarely, failure due to manufacturing defects
o Spilling of semen from a condom while removing it
Other important details
FC 2 cannot be worn simultaneously with a male condom. This will increase the
likelihood that either will tear.
The FC2 is lubricated inside and out, but you can use both oil and water-based lubricants
for additional lubrication.
*Give the youth an opportunity to ask questions following the presentation.*
7. 7
Lesson Two: FC2 Demo
Total Time: 10 minutes
Learning Objectives
Demonstrate comfort with demonstrating use of the FC2.
Agenda
Demonstrate proper insertion of FC2. Youth will practice inserting FC2.
Materials Needed
Vagina models
One FC2 for each youth.
Activities
1. Demonstrate proper insertion of FC2. 5 minutes.
*Demonstrate, step-by-step, proper insertion and removal of the FC2 – go through this a couple
of times.*
To Insert the FC2 Female Condom:
First check the expiration date and check the packaging for tears.
Be sure the inner ring is at the bottom, closed-end of the pouch
Hold the pouch with the open end hanging down. While holding the outside of the pouch,
squeeze the inner ring with your thumb and middle finger.
Place your index finger between the thumb and middle finger and keep squeezing the
inner ring.
Insert the squeezed FC2 Female Condom as if you were inserting a tampon.
Take your time. If the FC2 Female Condom is slippery to insert, let it go and start over.
Now push the inner ring and the pouch the rest of the way up into the vagina with your
index finger. Check to be sure the inner ring is up just past the pubic bone.
You will feel your pubic bone by curving your index finger when it is a couple of inches
inside the vagina.
This next step may be hard to do on the first or second try because the FC2 Female
Condom is lubricated.
Take your time and push the closed end of the FC2 Female Condom up to where you can
feel the pubic bone. If inserted properly, it will pop up behind the pubic bone and against
the cervix. When inserted properly, all the way, the female shouldn’t be able to feel it.
Make sure the FC2 Female Condom is inserted straight (not twisted) into the vagina.
It is also important that the outside ring lies against the outer lips of the vagina.
About one inch of the open end will stay outside your body. While this may look unusual,
this part of the FC2 Female Condom helps protect you and your partner during sex.
8. 8
When removing the FC2, grab the portion sitting outside the vagina and twist it closed a
few times before pulling out. This will ensure no semen spills out of the condom during
removal.
2. Give the youth time to practice inserting the FC2 into vagina models. 5 minutes. Now
give each youth an FC2, split them into groups, and have them practice insertion with the vagina
models. Instructor will go around the room to observe the youth and answer any questions.
9. 9
Lesson Three: Changing Attitudes
Total time: 20 minutes
Learning Objectives
After completing this lesson, program participants will be able to:
Name 2 common male condom myths.
Name 2 common FC2 myths.
Describe 2 ways FC2 can be a fun and healthy part of relationships.
Agenda
Discussion of male condom and female condom myths perceptions among youth.
Making FC2 “sexy”.
Materials Needed
Activities
1. Discuss myths of male and female condoms. 10 minutes.
There are many myths around general condom use. This misinformation can be a barrier to
protecting yourself. You can protect yourself from these barriers by educating yourself.
Male Condom Statements
Using two condoms increases the protection. This is false. Using more than one condom
increases the friction and the likelihood of tearing.
He’s too big for a condom. No guy is too big for a condom. Condoms come in different
sizes – they can even fit your forearm! Condoms also come in extra large sizes.
Condoms reduce sensitivity. Condoms are made from thin latex, so males can feel
sensation and pleasure with a condom on. There are also varieties of styles that can
increase pleasure.
It’s a good idea to keep a condom with you in your wallet, just in case. This is not a good
idea. Condoms can break down when exposed to hot environments for too long – like
your body heat when carrying it in your wallet. Store them in a cool, dry place.
If she’s on birth control, he doesn’t have to use a condom. Not true. Birth control like the
pill does not offer protection from STIs. It’s important to protect yourself from STIs as
well as pregnancy – use a male or female condom.
We don’t need to use a condom as long as he pulls out. Withdrawal is not an effective
method of STI or pregnancy prevention. Pre-ejaculate contains some sperm and can
transmit STIs. Using withdrawal also doesn’t protect from STIs passed by skin-to-skin
contact.
FC 2 Statements
It sounds like a plastic bag. Complaints about the FC 1 included noise – that it sounded
like a plastic bag. The FC 2 is now manufactured in the same way as the male condom,
which alleviated problems associated with this noise. If you notice too much noise, try
adding lubrication.
10. 10
It’s difficult to insert. With a little practice, the FC 2 can become much easier to use. The
packaging has simple insertion instructions.
What if it disappears inside my body? The FC2 cannot disappear inside of you. It cover
the cervix, which has an opening of 1-3mm, so it is impossible for the FC2 to slip inside.
The inner ring will be uncomfortable/will hurt. If inserted properly, the inner ring
shouldn’t be uncomfortable. If there is discomfort, you can try removing and inserting a
new FC2. Some users actually report increased sexual pleasure from the inner ring.
Male and Female Condom Statements
Using multiple condoms increases your protection. – False
Condoms reduce sensitivity during sex – False
You shouldn’t keep condoms in your wallet – True
If you or your partner is using an alternate form of birth control, you don’t need to use a
condom. – False
No one is too big for a condom. – True
Withdrawal, or pulling out, is not an effective form of protection. – True
With a little practice, the FC2 can be easy to use. – True
The FC2 can disappear inside your body and be impossible to get out. – False
The FC2’s inner ring will be uncomfortable or will hurt. – False
The FC2 is loud and sounds like a plastic bag during use. – False
Have the youth heard their own myths about male or female condoms?
After learning more about the female and male condoms, do they think they would be more
likely to use it?
2. How to make FC2 sexy, 10 minutes.
After a discussion on perceptions and myths, the discussion will lead into how to make the FC2
fun and sexy.
Sex should be fun and enjoyable for both partners. Safe sex can also be sexy and fun – a good
rule of thumb to remember when trying to promote condom use. The FC2 has advantages over
the male condom that can make it more pleasurable for both partners.
Increased sensation compared to male condom because nitrile is very thin.
Increased sexual stimulation because FC2 adjusts to body temperature and stays warm.
External ring rubs against clitoris and increases pleasure for many women. Some males
also find the internal ring stimulating against their penis.
Not constricting around the penis; some men prefer FC2 to the male condom.
FC2 can be inserted prior to kissing and touching, so it doesn’t have to interrupt
spontaneity.
You don’t have to wait for the male to have an erection to use FC2.
Incorporate the insertion of FC2 into sexual play, allow partner to insert it.
He does not have to withdraw immediately after ejaculation.
Making the FC2 fun and part of a healthy relationship.
Your partner can watch and even help insert the FC2.
11. 11
It can help with intimacy after sex because the male doesn’t need to withdraw while
erect.
It can be inserted prior to sex, so sex can be more spontaneous.
It can be more pleasurable for both partners than using a male condom because the rings
can be stimulating, and the female condom isn’t constricting to a male’s penis.
What do they think would make them or their peers more likely to use the FC2? Are their
slogans or ways of talking about the FC2 that would make it more appealing?
12. 12
Lesson Four: Condom Negotiation
Total time: 20 minutes
Objectives
Develop 3 condom negotiation strategies.
Agenda
Review condom negotiation skills and techniques.
Development of own condom negotiation tips/comebacks.
Materials Needed
Pens/pencils
Condom negotiation worksheets
Easel
Activities
1. Discussion on condom negotiation, 15 minutes.
Go through skills and steps to use in condom negotiation. Begin by talking to the youth about
when, why, and what to talk about when starting a conversation about using condoms.
Condom use is a two-way street, meaning both partners need to need to consent. If one partner
objects, then appropriate condom use and effective protection for both partners is compromised.
1. What do you want to discuss/negotiate? The discussion could be either the
prevention of STIs, including HIV, or the prevention of unintended pregnancy.
2. Why do you want to discuss/negotiate? People discuss the use of condoms to
protect themselves and their partners from the transmission of STIs including HIV or to
prevent pregnancy.
3. When do you want to discuss /negotiate? You have to decide when the best time is to
bring up the subject of protection. Will you do it the moment you see your partner again
or wait till you are both relaxed and open to the discussion?
4. How will you discuss/negotiate? Start by letting your partner know why this
conversation is important to you and that this is an opportunity for both of you to talk
about your feelings. Be assertive. Use I statements, like I would feel more comfortable if
we used a condom. Be a good listener and allow your partner to address their feelings.
Don’t judge or blame your partner if they say something you don’t like or agree with.
Understand that success doesn’t mean one person wins – you both have to be ok with the
decision.
*Now, go through some reasons why someone wouldn’t want to use condoms. Write them on a
blackboard or easel.*
What are some reasons why someone wouldn’t want to use condoms?
They don’t know how to use them.
13. 13
They’re embarrassed to use condoms.
They don’t have condoms with them.
They don’t know where to get them.
They think they’re inconvenient and will spoil the mood.
They don’t think sex will feel as good with a condom.
They’re in a relationship and don’t think they need to use condoms.
*Ask the group if they can think of any other excuses why someone wouldn’t want to use a
condom. After all of the excuses are on the board, give one example of a comeback for each
excuse.*
Below are a few helpful tips on discussing condoms and some that specifically address the FC2:
If you sense that your partner is reluctant to use a condom, perhaps begin by telling
them about the possible risks involved in having sex without a condom.
You might need to tell them a little about STIs, HIV and how these are transmitted.
Some people convince their partner to use FC2 by saying it enhances pleasure during
intercourse.
Some people tell their partner that they can both be involved and have fun with
inserting the FC2 before sex. This can make sex fun and more erotic.
Some people refuse to have sex without condoms.
Some people tell their partners that the FC2 allows couples to share responsibility for
protecting themselves.
*This activity will give the youth the opportunity to develop their own condom negotiation
skills. Divide the youth into groups and distribute worksheets (see Appendix 2) that contain
various excuses not to wear a condom. Instruct the youth to develop their own comebacks to
these excuses. After giving the youth approximately 10 minutes to work on their comebacks,
have them present their comebacks to the entire group.*
14. 14
Lesson Five: Outreach and Advocacy in Practice
Total time: 50 minutes
Objectives
After completing this lesson, program participants will be able to:
Identify 3 effective outreach strategies.
Demonstrate comfort and confidence in speaking to others about FC2.
Conduct outreach with drugstore/CVS managers and discuss the importance of providing
FC 2 for sale.
Agenda
Discuss outreach strategies.
Where can you get FCs?
Discussion of the CVS outreach project.
Give the youth the post-test knowledge/evaluation tool.
Trip to CVS to see FC2 section and review FC2 stock cards.
Materials
Knowledge/evaluation tool for each youth.
FC2 stock cards.
Activities
1. Define outreach and discuss outreach strategies. 20 minutes.
What is outreach?
Activities that raise awareness and provide information on a particular topic.
Activities that directly deliver healthy services or products.
Activities that educate or inform the target population, increasing their knowledge and/or
skills.
Activities that educate or inform people who interact with the target population (often
called community health advisors).
Activities that establish beneficial connections between people and/or organizations.
Outreach Strategies/Tips
Control your facial expressions – don’t laugh, make a face, or look uncomfortable at what
someone says to you or when they ask you questions.
- Be non-judgmental
Be yourself – show confidence and knowledge in what you’re saying but also be
approachable and relatable – an effective outreach worker is one that feels like a peer/that
the individual relates to.
- Develop good communication and a sense of trust from the people you are working
with.
15. 15
Review your talking points and make sure you remember key points without needing to
refer to notes.
Have a clear message. Use clear, understandable language. Stick to the point of the
outreach and try not to get too off message.
Practice active listening. Listen closely to and hear what the other person is saying before
you respond – don’t half listen/half think about what you’re going to say next.
Engage in a respectful fashion. Don’t come on too strong or be pushy.
Stay positive and don’t become frustrated if the person you are outreaching to isn’t
receptive.
2. Where can you find FC2s? 10 minutes.
FC2s are available for sale and for free around the city. Many community organizations or local
stores that you might go to frequently have FC2s available.
1. All CVS stores in Washington, DC should sell FCs. They should be located where you can
find male condoms.
2. Various community organizations, like Metro Teen AIDS, the Women’s Collective, and Our
Place DC have them available to their clients.
3. Some barbershops and salons have them available to their clients. Some of these salon staff
have even been trained on FCs, so they can help educate their clients about what the FC2 is,
advantages, and why the FC2 is an important
4. Local community health clinics.
*A great resource for information on FC2s and where to find them is the local DC female
condom campaign’s website. Show students - http://www.dcdoinit.com. This website lists
specific places where they can get FCs and has other useful information.*
3. CVS Outreach Discusion, 10 minutes.
*After this outreach training, the youth should feel comfortable going to a drugstore, locating
female condoms, and meeting with the store manager if they find a store where they aren’t
available.*
As part of this outreach project, you all will advocate for FC2 sales in CVS stores. All CVS
stores in Washington, DC should have FC2s available. If they’re out of stock, we need to work
with the managers to have them restocked.
4. Give the youth the post-test for knowledge/attitude evaluation (see Appendix 1), 10 minutes.
This tool will give you data on what the youth learned from the training, so you can measure change in
knowledge and attitudes of the FC2.
5. Trip to CVS stores. We will go to the condom aisle and check for FC2s. Some students will then have
the opportunity to practice their outreach to the CVS store managers.
16. 16
The following questions will test your knowledge of the FC2.
Read each question carefully and circle the answer you think is the best response.
1. Describe the FC2, what it is made from and its size.
a) It is made from latex and has the same length and width as the male condom.
b) It is made from polyurethane and has the same length as the male condom but is wider.
c) It is made from a synthetic rubber called nitrile and has the same length as the male condom
but is wider.
d) It is made from a synthetic rubber called nitrile and has the same length and width as the
male condom.
2. True or false, the FC1 (original female condom) was made of two sheets of polyurethane welded
together and a newer version, the FC2, is made from a mold dipped into a synthetic rubber called
nitrile.
a) True
b) False
3. Two common myths of the FC2 are:
a) It will be uncomfortable to insert and wear due to the inner and outer rings. It’s an ineffective
form of protection from STIs.
b) It will be too noisy like the FC1. It will be too difficult to insert.
c) They’re difficult to find at the drug store. It could disappear inside my body.
4. True or false, the FC1 received complaints for being too noisy, sounding like a plastic bag. The
FC2 has the same issue and receives the same complaints.
a) True
b) False
5. Circle the answer in which each statement is correct. Advantages of the FC2 are.
a) It is empowering for females because they can insert and use the FC2 themselves. It is safe
for those with latex allergies. It is cheaper than a male condom.
b) It can be inserted up to 6 hours prior to sex. It is safe for those with latex allergies. It is
empowering for females because they can insert and use the FC2 themselves.
c) It can be inserted up to 6 hours prior to sex. It doesn’t feel tight or constricting. It is easier to
find in stores than the male condom.
6. Circle the answer in which each statement is correct. Two ways the FC2 can be a fun part of a
healthy relationship are:
a) Your partner can watch and help you insert the FC2. It can enhance intimacy because your
partner doesn’t need to pull out immediately following intercourse.
Appendix 1
17. 17
b) It needs to be inserted immediately before sex, so you and your partner can make it a part of
foreplay. The inner and outer rings can be stimulating for both males and females.
c) The material of the FC2 is thicker than male condoms, so it can make intercourse last longer.
The inner and outer rings can be stimulating for both males and females.
7. Can the FC2 be used while the user is menstruating?
a) Yes
b) No
8. Can the FC2 be used if one of the users has a latex allergies?
a) Yes
b) No
9. True or false, the FC2 is more exciting than the male condom because users feel increased
sensation.
a) True
b) False
10. What are 3 responses one can make during condom negotiation when a partner doesn’t want to
use a condom?
1.
2.
3.
11. Circle the answer in which each statement is correct. Effective strategies when doing community
health outreach are:
a) Go into technical details to provide as much information as possible. Practice active listening
and pay attention to what the other person is saying before you speak. Don’t be pushy.
b) Be clear in your message. Use the time while the other person is talking to think about what
you’ll say next. Wear professional dress, so you’ll be taken more seriously.
c) Be clear in your message. Use plain and non-technical language. Be non-judgmental.
12. Where can one find FC2s?
a) At the drugstore
b) At local advocacy organizations
c) At local salons, barbershops, and other local stores
d) All of the above.
18. 18
The following questions will test your attitude toward the FC2.
Read each question carefully and circle the answer you think is the best response.
1. I would be interested in using the FC2 if I were to have sex.
a) strongly disagree b) disagree c) unsure d) agree e) strongly agree
2. The FC2 is inconvenient.
a) strongly disagree b) disagree c) unsure d) agree e) strongly agree
3. The FC2 is weird.
a) strongly disagree b) disagree c) unsure d) agree e) strongly agree
4. I would rather use a male condom than an FC2.
a) strongly disagree b) disagree c) unsure d) agree e) strongly agree
5. I would advocate for FC2 use among my friends and family.
a) strongly disagree b) disagree c) unsure d) agree e) strongly agree
6. The FC2 is a good, effective option for protection of both males and females.
a) strongly disagree b) disagree c) unsure d) agree e) strongly agree
7. The FC2 offers protection from STIs that the male condom doesn’t.
a) strongly disagree b) disagree c) unsure d) agree e) strongly agree
8. I don’t know where to get FC2s.
a) strongly disagree b) disagree c) unsure d) agree e) strongly agree
9. I think it’s much easier to just get male condoms.
a) strongly disagree b) disagree c) unsure d) agree e) strongly agree
19. 19
.
What, don’t you trust
me?
I’m on birth
control, so I don’t
need to use
condoms.
Condoms ruin the
moment
Appendix 2
20. 20
I just don’t use
condoms.
It takes too long to put
on.
I don’t have any
diseases.
21. 21
Real men don’t wear
condoms.
Condoms don’t feel as
good.
They’re too
expensive.
