Female Condom

The Female Condom is a soft, loose–fitting polyurethane sheath that is less likely to break than a male condom. It contains two flexible polyurethane rings. One rings lies inside the sheath and has two functions: it makes the female condom easier to insert and it helps the female condom stay in place. The second ring forms the external, open end of the condom and remains outside of the vagina after insertion.

Advantages:

• Can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so that it won’t interrupt spontaneity
• Unlike the male condom, it can be used with oil or water–based lubricants
• Does not affect the male partner’s stimulation
• The female condom forms a barrier between the penis and the vagina, cervix, and external genitalia, providing additional protection from contracting an STD/HIV
• Requires no special storage; does not deteriorate in high temperatures or humidity
• Can be purchased at many drug stores

Disadvantages:

• The female condom is more expensive than a male condom and cannot be reused
• Cannot be used with a male condom, as the friction can cause both to tear
• Women may feel uncomfortable touching their vagina to insert and remove the condom
• Sometimes difficult to insert
• Can be noisy. Lubricate the inside and the outside of the condom to minimize noise

How to Insert and Remove a Female Condom

• Check the expiration date.
• Remove the condom and spread lubrication from the pack on the condom.
• Hold the inner ring between your thumb and pointer finger.
• Squeeze the sides of the inner ring together and grasp it firmly.
• Decide on a comfortable position to insert the condom—sitting, squatting or lying down.
• Locate the opening of the vagina and separate the outer lips.
• Push the inner ring up into the vagina as far as possible.
• Insert your pointer finger and middle finger into the condom to make sure that it is in place.
• About 1 inch of the condom including the outer ring will remain outside the body.
• Once the penis enters the vagina, the ring should remain outside the vagina, protecting the external genitalia from contact. (There is a possibility that on entering the vagina the penis will push the outer ring into the vagina or the penis will enter to the side between the condom and the vaginal wall. If either thing happens, stop immediately! Remove the penis and adjust the outer ring until it is once again outside the vagina. Guide the penis into the female condom.)
• To remove: Before standing, grasp the outer ring and twist the condom to seal in the semen.
• Gently pull out the twisted condom.
• Place the condom in a tissue or in the empty package and throw it away, do not flush it.