TABLE 3.

Gel Use Patterns and Problems

	HEC-Alone		AF-Alone		Total
Reported Behavior	n = 192 Visits	%*	n = 191 Visits	%†	n = 383 Visits	%*
Typically inserted gel before every sex act	97	51	104	54	201	53
Typically removed gel after every sex act	71	37	64	34	135	35
Partner asked about amount of lubrication/vaginal discharge before sex
At least once	67	35	46	24	113	30
Never	123	64	139	73	262	68
Somewhat comfortable or comfortable with using gel applicator	173	90	171	90	344	90
Reported any problem with gel†	21	11	20	11	41	11
Participant-reported genitourinary symptom(s) at physical exam: itching, discharge, bleeding, pain, dysuria, and pelvic pain	9	5	28	15	37	10
Clinician-identified abnormalities on urethra, labia minora, labia majora, vagina, cervix, uterus, or adnexae	11	6	17	9	28	7

^*Because of rounding and missing data, not all categories sum to 100%.

^†For example: difficulty finding time, privacy or opportunity to insert the gel, problems handing, filling or using the gel applicator, complaints of excess wetness, etc.

AF indicates Acidform; HEC, hydroxyethylcellulose (placebo gel).