Health Topics
The Female Condom
Online Birth Control Education

The female condom is a soft, loosely-fitting polyurethane sheath with two flexible polyurethane rings designed to hold the condom in place. One ring at the closed end is inserted into the upper end of the vagina (past the pubic bone) and around the cervix. The second ring forms the external outer edge of the device and remains outside the vagina after insertion. In this way, the outer ring and device material provide some protection to the woman's labia and the base of a male partner's penis.

The sheath is coated on the inside with a silicone-based lubricant and additional lubricant is provided with the product. The female condom may be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse, and should be removed shortly after intercourse and before standing up. It should only be used once.

How to use a female condom:

The polyurethane sheath should be held with the open end down and the inner ring at the closed end. The inner ring is squeezed between the thumb and middle finger, with the index finger placed in the middle of the inner ring so that the round ring becomes a long, narrow oval. Avoid tearing the sheath with a fingernail or other sharp object.
Spread the labia apart and insert the sheath and inner ring. The inner ring and sheath should be pushed into the vagina just past the pubic bone, which will help to anchor the female condom in place.
Care must be taken to insert the pouch in a straight path, not twisted. The outer ring and about one inch of the open end of the sheath should remain outside the vagina and will be used to cover the labia. If the sheath gets twisted, it should be removed and reinserted in a straight path.
The female condom should be removed shortly after intercourse and before standing up. To remove, the outer ring should be compressed and twisted to insure that semen remains inside the sheath. The sheath can then be pulled out gently. Do not flush the female condom in a toilet, instead wrap and dispose in the trash. Do not attempt to wash and reuse a female condom – it is a single use contraceptive. Use only water-based or silicone-based lubricants with the female condom (it is prelubricated as well). Although oil-based products will not damage the polyurethane.
The female condom should not be used with the male condom as they can adhere to each other and cause slippage or displacement.

Advantages

Provides contraception similar to most other forms of non-prescription birth control
Provides protection against many sexually transmittable infections and covers larger genital area than a male condom
May be more acceptable to male partner as may be more comfortable than male condom
May be more acceptable to male partners who experience erection difficulties when using a male condom
Can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so less disruptive to love-making

Disadvantages

Initial test results appeared to have higher failure rate than male condoms, however the female condoms may have been held to higher standards than male condoms. There is debate over the testing requirements for the female condoms
Currently, female condoms cost more than male condoms and are not available in as many locations
The visibility of the external ring and portion of the sheath may be a little disconcerting for first-time users or for couples in newly intimate relationships
Some users report noise during use (may need additional lubricant)

Availability & Efficacy

Availability: Over the counter product. Available at local pharmacies/drug stores.
Failure Rate: Typical use: 21%, Perfect use: 5%

Recommended Resources

How To Use a Female Condom (American Social Health Association)

Online Birth Control Education
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