Female condoms

Female condoms

Female condoms is a pouch made from latex rubber that goes into the vagina before sex. Like the male condom, it’s a barrier method of birth control that protects against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When used consistently and correctly, female condoms are about 95 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

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What is a female condom?

A female condom is a soft, thin pouch made from latex rubber that goes into the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy. Like the male condom, the female condom is a barrier birth control method. Both male and female condoms prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from entering the vagina.

Because the female condom lines the vagina and covers part of the area around the entrance, it can also help protect both you and your partner from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used correctly.

Are there different types of female condoms?

There used to be two types of female condoms: FC1 and FC2. FC1 was made from a type of plastic called polyurethane, but it’s no longer produced. FC2 is still available. It’s made from synthetic rubber, which makes it safe for people with latex allergies.

How does a female condom work?

The female condom has a soft, flexible ring at each end to hold it in place. The ring at the closed end goes inside the vagina, while the ring at the open end stays outside. It forms a barrier inside the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the egg.

How effective are female condoms?

When used consistently and correctly, female condoms are about 95 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that about five out of 100 people who use them properly every time they have sex will get pregnant over the course of a year.

In the real world, about 21 percent of people who rely on female condoms for contraception end up accidentally pregnant in the first year of use. That’s mostly because they don’t use female condoms every time they have sex, or they don’t use them properly.

A female condom can fail when:

  • It’s inserted incorrectly and it slides out during sex
  • It tears before or during sex
  • The penis misses the opening of the condom and goes between the vaginal wall and the outside of the condom
  • The sperm spills out while the condom is being removed

For added protection, some people use female condoms along with another method of birth control like the Pill, the birth control shot (Depo-Provera), or an IUD.

When it comes to preventing the transmission of STIs, we don’t know much about effectiveness. That’s because female condoms haven’t been very well studied yet.

The few small studies that do exist suggest this method is as effective as male latex condoms. In laboratory testing, the female condom was shown to be an effective barrier against HIV and other STIs. But if you want more proven protection against STIs, you might stick with the male condom.

How to use a female condom

You can insert a female condom as many as eight hours before sex. It takes some practice to insert correctly, so it’s a good idea to try it a few times on your own before using one during sex. (If you’re having trouble, see your healthcare provider for help.)

First check the packaging to make sure the condom isn’t past its expiration date. Then open the package carefully, being careful not to tear or otherwise damage the condom. Check out the diagrams that come in the package and read the step-by-step directions.

The condom comes pre-lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant. You can add a drop of water- or oil-based lubricant to the outside of the closed end of the condom for added comfort before inserting.

Don’t use a female condom when your partner is using a male condom. The friction could push the male condom off or cause the female condom to slip to one side and tear. Female condoms aren’t designed for use with a diaphragm either.

Inserting the condom

Wash your hands with soap and water. To make insertion easier, you can squat, lie down with your knees raised, or stand with one foot on a chair. Squeeze the sides of the inner ring together with your thumb and forefinger.

Separate the lips of your vagina and insert the ring like you would a tampon. Then put your index finger inside the condom and push the ring up as far as it will go past the pubic bone. Check to see that the condom isn’t twisted.

When inserted correctly, the female condom should loosely line the walls of your vagina with the inner ring past your pubic bone. The outer ring should extend about one inch outside the vagina.

Having intercourse

When you’re ready to have sex, guide your partner’s penis through the opening and inside the condom. Hold the outer ring of the condom against your vulva to make sure it doesn’t get pushed into your vagina. Once the penis enters, the vagina will expand and there will be less slack in the condom.

If the female condom makes noise during sex, add more lubricant, either to the inside of the condom or directly onto the penis. And if the condom won’t stay put or it sticks to the penis, stop, remove it, and insert a new one.

Removing the condom

You don’t need to remove the condom right after your partner ejaculates, but you should remove it once they pull out and before they stand up to avoid spilling the semen.

To remove the female condom, twist the outer ring to hold the semen inside. Gently pull the condom out and drop it in the garbage. Don’t throw a female condom into the toilet – it could clog the plumbing. Don’t reuse a condom, even if you’re going to have sex again right away.

What a female condom feels like

The female condom is thinner than latex rubber and it warms quickly to the vaginal temperature, so it may feel more pleasurable to both you and your partner than a male condom would. During sex, the condom’s inner ring might stimulate the tip of the penis while the inner ring rubs against the clitoris, providing added pleasure for both partners.

Because female condoms are made from synthetic rubber, they’re less likely to irritate the skin than latex male condoms. If the inner ring causes any discomfort, take it out and try to reposition it so that it’s tucked back behind the cervix.

The female condom is about as long as a male condom, but it’s wider. Some people are put off by the size at first and worry that they’ll be distracted when it’s inside. If you can feel the condom moving around and you’re bothered by it, add more lubricant.

What are the pros and cons of using female condoms?

Pros:

  • They’re 95 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly.
  • They protect both partners against STIs.
  • There are no real risks to using them.
  • They’re hypoallergenic, unlike latex male condoms.
  • They can increase sexual pleasure for both you and your partner.

Cons:

  • It can take time to get used to the feeling of inserting a female condom.
  • You need to use a female condom correctly for it to protect you.
  • They can sometimes tear, making them less effective.
  • Sometimes the condom can get pushed inside the vagina during sex.

Are there any risks involved with using female condoms?

The female condom doesn’t cause any major side effects. Some people do report burning, itching, or a rash. It’s also possible for the condom to fail, increasing the chance of an unplanned pregnancy.

What happens if my female condom slips or falls off?

If the condom feels like it’s starting to slip out of place, have your partner pull out so you can check the condom and push the inner ring farther up if necessary. Then add more lubricant to the inside of the condom or to the penis.

If the outer ring is getting pushed inside your vagina, have your partner pull out right away. Remove the condom and start again with a new one. Also pull out and start again with a new condom if you think the penis has entered your vagina outside of the condom or the condom has broken. Use more lubricant if the penis doesn’t move freely in and out.

A broken condom after your partner has already ejaculated puts you at risk for pregnancy and STI transmission. One thing you and your partner can do is to wash the outside of your genitals –penis, vulva, anus, and surrounding area – with soap and water. (Don’t douche. It won’t help prevent pregnancy or infection.)

The only way to significantly reduce your risk of getting pregnant is to use emergency contraception, and the sooner you take it, the more likely it is to be effective. So, if you have some on hand, take it right away. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the risk of pregnancy or an STI.

Where can I get female condoms?

Female condoms can be harder to find than male ones. The only brand available is the FC2 Female Condom. You may be able to get it in some drugstores and supermarkets, and at family planning clinics. If you can’t find it in any stores or clinics near you, do a search online.

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