Female Condom (Femidom)

Table Of Contents

• What is a Female Condom?
• How does it Prevent Pregnancy?
• What are the Benefits?
• What are the Disadvantages?
• How Effective are they?
• Are they Safe?
• How Do I Use it?
• Tips for Using

What is a Female Condom?

A female condom is a pouch that you put inside the vagina to reduce the risk of pregnancy. There are several brands of female condoms including Femidom, FC2, Reality and Protectiv.

Most female condoms contain polyurethane, synthetic nitrile, or latex. They are composed of big and small rings located at open and closed ends of the condom. The small ring, at the closed end, is inserted into the vagina. The bigger ring, at the open end, remains outside of the vagina during intercourse.

How does it Prevent Pregnancy?

Female condoms form a barrier covering the inside of the vagina. When used correctly, sperm and pre-ejaculate are caught by the condom and never make direct contact with the vagina. This prevents sperm from fertalizing the egg, therefore eliminating the possibility of becoming pregnant.

What are the Benefits?

The benefits of a female condom are as follows:

• Easy to use
• No negative side effects
• No effect on hormones
• Protects against STD’s
• No doctors appointment required
• No prescription required
• Unlike male condoms, it stays in place if the man loses his erection
• Can’t forget to use it (like the pill)
• Don’t need help using it (like the shot)
• Don’t have to worry about external factors (like the withdrawal method)
• An alternative for those with latex allergies

What are the Disadvantages?

For some, it can cause irritation to the genitals of the man or the woman. It may require additional lubricant to use comfortably.

It may also reduce the feelings and sensations you experience during sex.

In addition, there is a small risk that it can slip out of position or into the vagina during intercourse. You must ensure it has been properly inserted prior to intercourse.

How Effective are they?

When used alone, female condoms are not the most effective birth control option.

Among women who always use it correctly, 5 out of 100 will become pregnant.

Among women who may not always use it correctly, 21 out of 100 will become pregnant.

It is best to use female condoms in conjunction with another birth control method.

Are they Safe?

They are safer than many other forms of birth control. The majority of people are able to use them safely. However, some may experience irritation or allergic reaction when using them.

How do I Use it?

1. Ensure that there is a sufficient amount of lubricant on the outside, of the closed end, of the condom.
2. Get into a comfortable position to insert the condom into the vagina.
3. Squeeze the sides of the closed end ring together and insert it into the vagina.
4. Push the inner ring deep into the vagina until it hits the cervix where it will rest.
5. Allow the outer ring to hang one inch outside of the vaginal opening.
6. After intercourse, remove the condom by twisting the outer ring and gently pull it out of the vagina

Tips for Using

Users may want to have lubricant on hand to avoid irritation and make the sexual experience more comfortable.

The woman should not be able to feel the inner ring of the condom. If it causes discomfort, it may have been inserted incorrectly.

If the outer ring of the condom slips out of place or inside the vagina, stop intercourse and reposition it correctly.

You can use female condoms for anal sex as well.

Do not reuse female condoms. They are for one-time use only.