Contraceptive Pearl: Internal Condom Accessibility
In June 2017, the internal condom’s manufacturer changed it from over-the-counter in pharmacies to prescription and online-only.
There are now four ways patients can get the internal condom:
1. Prescription from a clinician;
2. Prescription from an online clinician;
3. Bulk order through the manufacturer’s website;
4. Community organizations that provide the condom.
Patients can purchase up to 24 condoms a month through the manufacturer’s website. However, this option is limited to people who are United States citizens who have internet access, a debit or credit card, and an address that accepts packages. The prescription model particularly affects underserved and low-income individuals who previously could have purchased the condom from a local drug store for $1.75-$3.50 each, compared to the online bulk price of $47.95 for a pack of 24.
Pulling the internal condom from the shelves reduces awareness of the product, while also requiring a delay before receiving the condom.
Bottom line: The internal condom should be accessible to all with the fewest possible barriers.
Please join us in taking action: ask the manufacturer to restore pharmacy over-the-counter access to the internal condom by clicking here.
Helpful Resources
Your Birth Control Choices Fact Sheet
National Female Condom Coalition
Sources
Patient. Veru Inc. FC2 Website. https://fc2.us.com/patient/. Accessed September 11, 2018.
Pharma-free
The Reproductive Health Access Project does not accept funding from pharmaceutical companies. We do not promote specific brands of medication or contraception. The information in the Contraceptive Pearls is unbiased, based on science alone.
