What benefit should the nurse tell a client about using a female condom?

The female condom is designed to provide effective protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as unintended pregnancies. One of the key advantages of using a female condom is its ability to create a barrier that prevents the exchange of bodily fluids, thereby reducing the risk of STI transmission. This is particularly valuable for clients who are concerned about both pregnancy prevention and STI protection.

It is important to note that while the female condom does help in reducing the risk of STIs, it does not offer a guarantee of 100% effectiveness against them or pregnancy. Additionally, the female condom is single-use and should be discarded after one act of intercourse, meaning it cannot be reused. Unlike male condoms, which can be used concurrently with female condoms, this is not recommended because it may increase the likelihood of breaking due to friction. Thus, the primary focus of promoting the female condom is its role in providing STI protection, making this the most beneficial aspect to communicate to clients.