Female Condom

Contributed by Flow Quesada

At a Glance

• Pouch inserted inside the vagina to collect sperm

• Protects against STIs (sexually transmitted infections)

• Easy to put on and dispose of

• Inexpensive

• Each condom is for one-time use only

• 95% effective with perfect use; 79% effective with typical use

What is it?

A female condom is a pouch made of polyurethane that fits inside the vagina. It protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy by collecting semen and sperm during sex. It looks like a small bag with two small plastic rings on each end. One ring stays inside the vagina, while the other one stays outside to keep the condom in place during sex.

Female condoms protect women from pregnancy and STIs, and allow them to be in control of their sexual health. The female condom can be inserted as early as eight hours before sex, which means that the heat of the moment will not be interrupted just to ask the partner to put on a condom.

Take note that using a female condom with a male condom at the same time will not make sex safer—it can actually make things worse. The friction between the two condoms may cause breakages and leakages during sex.

The female condom is 95% effective if it is used correctly every time, and 79% effective if it is not used how it is directed.

How it works

Female condoms prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from spreading by covering the inside of the vagina and keeping sperm from entering because it collects pre-cum and semen when a man ejaculates during sex. Without the sperm to join the egg, pregnancy cannot happen.

How to use it

Female condoms are easy to use, but takes a bit of practice inserting it. Remember that you cannot reuse a female condom, and you will need to use a new one EVERY SINGLE TIME you have sex.

Always check the expiry date and the package if it is properly sealed before using a female condom.

How to insert a female condom:

1. Put some lubricant on the outside of the closed end.

2. Get comfy and relax your muscles.

3. Squeeze the sides of the closed-end ring together, and insert it into your vagina with your finger.

4. Push the ring as far into your vagina as it’ll go, all the way to your cervix (which will feel a little harder than your vaginal walls).

5. Pull out your finger and let the outer ring hang about an inch outside your vagina. (Yes, it’ll look a little funny, but it will keep you safe!)

How to remove a female condom

1. Squeeze the outer ring and twist it closed like a baggie, so semen doesn’t spill out.

2. Pull the condom out gently.

3. Throw it away in a trash can (preferably one that is out of the reach of children and pets). Don’t flush it down the toilet!

The Positives

• No latex used, therefore safe for people with latex allergy

• No hormones

• Helps protect both partners from STIs

• The outer ring may stimulate a woman’s clitoris, which can make sex more pleasurable

• No prescription necessary

• Can be used with both oil-based and water-based lube

• Stays in place even if the man loses his erection

The Negatives

• May make sounds during use

• A new one must be used each time

• Can cause irritation

• Can be tricky to insert

• Does look funny during sex

• Not easily available in the Philippines