The female condom is a thin, soft, loose-fitting sheath with a flexible ring at each end. They also come in various sizes just like male condoms. For most vaginas, a moderately sized condom is adequate; women who have recently given birth should try a large first. The inner ring at the closed end of the sheath is used to insert the condom inside the vagina and to hold it in place during sexual intercourse. The rolled outer ring at the open end of the sheath remains outside the vagina and covers part of the external genitalia.
Female condoms also are of different types based on manufactures.
How to insert a female condom:
- Put lubricant on the outside of the closed end of the female condom.
- Find a comfortable position. (Stand with one foot on a chair, sit on the edge of a chair, lie down, or squat.)
- Squeeze together the sides of the inner ring at the closed end of the female condom and insert it into the vagina as done with a tampon.
- Push the inner ring into the vagina as far as it can go — until it reaches the cervix.
- Pull out finger and let the outer ring hang about an inch outside the vagina.
During sexual intercourse, it is normal for the female condom to move from side to side. Stop intercourse of the penis slips outside the condom.
How to remove a female condom:
- Squeeze and twist the outer ring of the condom to keep semen inside the pouch.
- Gently pull it out of the vagina.
- Throw it away. Do not flush it down the toilet.
Re-use is not recommended.
Female condoms are not as much available as male condoms and are also more expensive than male condoms.
Some benefits of female condoms over other methods of birth control:
- Allow women to share responsibility for preventing infection and pregnancy.
- Are easy to get — can be purchased in drugstores and some supermarkets.
- Can be used by people who are allergic to latex.
- Can be used with oil-based as well as water-based lubricants.
- Do not have an effect on a woman's natural hormones.
- Do not require a prescription.
- May enhance sex play — the external ring may stimulate the clitoris and penis during vaginal intercourse.
- Stay in place whether or not a man maintains his erection.
Drawbacks
- Reduce feelings during sexual intercourse.
- They normally slip into the vagina during sexual intercourse.
- Can cause irritation of the vagina, vulva and penis during sexual intercourse.
Many women also report that the female condoms are not comfortable to use and are also awkward.
