What is it?
A female condom is a soft, loose fitting polyurethane pouch. It has two flexible rings. One smaller ring fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix. The other larger ring hangs outside the vagina and covers the vulva. The inside of the condom is lubricated.
How do I use it?
· To put the female condom in, pinch the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom between your thumb and middle finger. Put the condom in as far as it will go. Make sure the condom does not twist and that the outer ring is hanging outside the vagina.
· Put a drop of lubricant either on the tip of the penis or at the opening of the condom. This helps prevent bunching up and slipping. It may also make using the condom more comfortable. A small bottle of lubricant comes with the box of condoms.
· Be sure to guide the penis inside the condom.
· Do not use male and female condoms at the same time.
· After the man has ejaculated, lie down to take out the condom.Squeeze and twist the outer ring. Doing this prevents sperm from leaking. Pull the condom out gently. Throw it away in the trash can. Do not flush condoms down the toilet.
· Don’t use the same female condom more than once.
What are the advantages of female condoms?
· Female condoms give women more control over protecting themselves from pregnancy, STIs, and HIV.
· The female condom may give protection against vaginal warts and herpes.
· Female condoms are polyurethane, so they may be better for people who have an allergy to latex.
· Polyurethane is much stronger than latex and easier to store.
· You only use them when you need them.
· You can use the condom with other methods of birth control to lower the risk of STI’s, HIV, and pregnancy.
What are the disadvantages of female condoms?
· The female condom costs a lot compared to male condoms.
· The outer ring hangs out of the vagina—this may make it hard for some women to enjoy foreplay.
· The female condom twists easily. Sometimes the penis goes in next to the condom instead of inside the condom.
· Some women find them hard to put in.