Birth Control Method
Barrier
Description
The female condom is not made from latex or rubber, but from polyurethane, a strong, thin material that conducts heat well. A long sheath with two soft rings at each end, one ring of the female condom is covered with polyurethane and fits over the cervix, while the larger, open ring, stays outside the vagina, covering part of the perineum and labia during intercourse, forming a hollow lining to the walls of the vagina.
How it Works
After applying lubricant to both sides of the female condom, insert the end with the enclosed ring into the vagina and rest the ring against the cervix. Slowly unfurl the rest of the female condom down through the vagina, and pull the open end out of the vaginal opening. Because the female condom will block any natural female moisture, you will need to use additional lubricant during intercourse. Male and female condoms should not be used at the same time. The female condom can be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse, but should be removed immediately afterward and discarded.
Should You Use It?
As female condoms are relatively new, only one brand is in production, the Reality Female CondomTM; some women may not enjoy not having more brands to choose from. While female condoms are a wonderful way to ensure your body is protected not only from contraception, but also from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and many women do not enjoy the bulkiness or "unsexiness" of the female condom. Also, some women find the outer ring uncomfortable or irritating during intercourse. However, the manufacturer reports that 50-75% of the male and female participants in studies done in numerous countries and cultures found the female condom to be "acceptable for use." Also, most couples reported that the female condom did not interfere with sexual pleasure or sensitivity.
Effectiveness
Among typical couples who use female condoms, about 20% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. However, if female condoms are used consistently and correctly, only about 5% of users will become pregnant.
STI Protection
According to the manufacturer, when used consistently and correctly, the female condom is estimated to reduce the risk of HIV infection for each act of sexual intercourse by 97.1%. Furthermore, in-vitro studies have shown the female condom to be an effective barrier to microorganisms, including HIV and a bacteriophage smaller than hepatitis B, the smallest virus known to cause an STI. In other words, the female condom provides the same relatively safe barrier to STIs as male condoms -- only abstinence is more effective at preventing infection.
Advantages
- Gives women more control over their bodies and a sense of freedom.
- Protects a greater area of the female body.
- Can purchase the female condom without seeing a clinician.
- Can be inserted up to eight hours in advance of intercourse.
- Safe and effective at preventing both pregnancy and infection.
- Your partner can insert it and make it part of lovemaking.
- Any lubricant, oil or gel can be used with the female condom.
- Polyurethane transmits heat well, which might add a fun dimension to your love play.
- Many couples say they like the way it feels.
- Covered by Medicaid in many states.
- Does not generally increase the risk of urinary tract infection, yeast infection, cervical irritation or vaginal infection.
- Can be modified for use as a protective barrier for oral sex.
Disadvantages
- Large, unattractive or odd-looking.
- Must be used with lubricant.
- May make distracting rustling noises prior to or during intercourse.
- Some people complain it is difficult to use.
- Not sold in as many stores as male condoms.
- About three times more expensive than male condoms.
Where to Buy It
Female condoms are sold in packs of three or six; each condom costs $2 to $3. The package comes with a lubricant and a leaflet that explains how to use female condoms. Female condoms are sold at most drugstores and some supermarkets, but not as many as male condoms -- call ahead to ensure the store carries them. You can also order female condoms directly from The Female Health Company. To learn more about the female condom, speak with your clinician or call 1-800-274-6601.
Follow Up
Just like a male condom, the female condom can only be used one time. Once the man has ejaculated, you will need to insert a new female condom before your next sex act. To avoid messy spillage, remember to remove the female condom prior to standing up. After using the female condom, dispose of it in the trash can -- do not flush it down the toilet; polyurethane will clog most plumbing. If you experience irritation or discomfort after using the female condom, consult your physician immediately.
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