Table of contents:
- What is a female condom?
- Are female condoms as effective as male condoms?
- How to use the female condom
- Are female condoms safe for women's health?
Condoms are not only available for men, but also for women.
The male condom is by far the only protective tool available as a method of preventing HIV and most sexually transmitted diseases. The female condom offers an additional option that allows a woman to control an independent way to protect herself from sexual infection and unwanted pregnancy.
The female condom has an important role in HIV prevention. This contraceptive is a preventive tool that can help women who are involved in sexual relations or in certain situations where they are not in a position to negotiate the use of male condoms due to personal or socio-cultural constraints.
Here are some basic facts about female condoms that you should know.
What is a female condom?
The US Food and Drug Association (FDA) approved the female condom in 1993. There are two types of condoms: FC1, the original prototype made of polyurethane, but later replaced by FC2 which is made of nitrile, a non-latex synthetic rubber.
The female condom is a strong, yet soft, transparent colored cylindrical bag that acts as a protective layer between the penis and vagina to keep sperm and semen in the condom and away from your vagina.
With two flexible rings at each end, the condom can be inserted into the vagina just before intercourse, or hours beforehand. The ring on the closed end of the condom keeps the condom in place. The open end on the opposite side of the condom remains outside the vagina during sexual intercourse.
These condoms are stronger than male latex condoms, have no smell, do not cause allergic reactions, and can be used with both water and oil-based lubricants. This special protective gear for women does not depend on a male erection, and does not need to be removed immediately after ejaculation.
Are female condoms as effective as male condoms?
The female-only condom is an alternative to regular condoms, not as a companion. The two should not be used together at the same time, as the frictional force created by the two surfaces can cause the material to wear out and tear easily. In addition, female condoms should not be used in conjunction with the wearing of a cervical cap or diaphragm. However, they can be used together with oral or injectable contraceptives.
If you use them properly and follow instructions on how to use them every time you have sex, the female condom is 95 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that only 5 out of 100 women will become pregnant after using this condom.
However, perfect use almost never occurs. If not used properly (incorrectly inserted or used occasionally for sex), female condoms are 79% effective in reducing pregnancy rates. This means, 21 out of 100 women will become pregnant within one year of using a condom.
When inserted completely, the female condom covers not only the vagina and uterus, but also part of the external area of the vaginal lips (labia), which can offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases - including HIV.
How to use the female condom
A condom can be inserted into the vagina immediately before sexual intercourse or up to eight hours beforehand, and a new condom should be used every time you engage in sexual activity with your partner. In addition, condoms can be used during menstruation or pregnancy (or the early postpartum period).
Things that must be considered when using a female condom:
- Apply lubricant to the outer surface of the tip of the condom.
- Find a comfortable position. You can stand with one foot flat on a chair, sit, lie down, or squat.
- Gently pinch both sides of the closed end of the condom, and insert into the vagina with your index finger like inserting a tampon. Push, slowly, as far as possible - up past the pubic bone and reaching the uterus.
- Pull your finger out and let the outer ring hang about 1 inch (2.5 cm) outside the vagina
- Make sure the penis does not make contact with the vagina before inserting the condom. This is done to prevent pre-ejaculatory semen even though it can contain sperm and / or sexually transmitted infections.
If you want to use a condom for anal sex, the same method can be used to insert it into the anus.
During sexual intercourse, it is normal for the female condom to move. Stop sexual activity if the penis passes between the condom and the vaginal wall, or if the outer ring is pushed into the vagina. As long as your partner hasn't ejaculated, you can slowly pull the condom out of the vagina, add lubricant or spermicide, and insert it one more time.
Are female condoms safe for women's health?
Almost anyone can use the female condom safely. Condoms are also safe to use during anal sex. Unlike birth control pills or birth control injections, female condoms have no effect on hormones in a woman's body.
For some women, these condoms can cause irritation of the vagina, vulva, penis, or anus. Condoms also complain that they can make noise if not properly lubricated, which can interfere with sexual activity and arousal. The penis can also slip out of the condom during sex. If the condom breaks / breaks / leaks during sex, switch to using emergency contraception as soon as possible for up to five days after that. You are also advised to get tested for sexually transmitted infections.
Please note: many women and their partners can use these condoms without any problem, but consult a doctor if you have any concerns about using a female condom.
