What is a female condom?
Although they are little known as a contraceptive measure and to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, there are female condoms, which provide effective protection against pregnancy and infections. They offer some advantages over male condoms.
Here we tell you everything about these condoms.
Female condoms are a slightly more sophisticated version of regular condoms, tailored to a woman’s physiology. We can say that they provide the same protection as male condoms, but with an extra: it is the woman who decides and controls their use.
That’s right: with female condoms, the woman avoids negotiation (not always effective) when she meets a sexual partner who does not want to use condoms during intercourse.
What is the difference between male and female condoms?
It is above all about the place where they are placed, and therefore the shape they have.
If the male condom goes the length of the penis, covering it completely, female condoms are placed inside your vagina, although they are also effective for use inside the anus. In both cases, they offer full coverage, which effectively protects against STDs.
Since they can be used by men (when placed inside the anus) they are also known as “internal condoms”, although their most common definition and their first use are directed at women.
What do you need to use the female condom?
How does a female condom work?
A female condom is essentially a small nitrile (soft plastic) bag that is placed inside the vagina so that it receives the penis. Although it is also placed inside the anus. It can also provide protection in the case of oral sex, when the tongue and lips come into contact with the vaginal area.
Once inside the vagina, they cover the entire area, consolidating as a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching an egg or an infectious fluid from reaching the tissues.
Is the female condom effective against sexually transmitted diseases?
The female condom is not only an efficient contraceptive; it also reduces the incidence of sexually transmitted infections.
How does the female condom work in this regard?
It is a very simple process, but highly efficient: the material of the female condom covers the inside of the anus, the vagina and some regions of the vulva. This minimizes contact with semen or skin areas that could spread sexually transmitted diseases.
Is the female condom more comfortable and efficient than the male?
Female condoms actually offer a woman more comfort, more protection, and more control. By covering the areas involved in intercourse, there is no risk of them breaking or slipping out, they are easy to remove, they contain the fluids without the risk of leaks and they put the alternative and control of their use in the hands of the woman, which it offers you greater freedom at the time of a sexual relationship. In fact, if it happens that the man does not want to use a condom, the woman can use the feminine one, and protect herself without having to consult him.
Are female condoms hard to get?
No: they are becoming easier to find in pharmacies, on websites and in health and family planning centers. They are small and discreet. Easy to transport and use.
Instructions for using the female condom
How is the female condom used? It is highly recommended that before using the female condom for the first time in a sexual relationship, you give yourself time to practice placing this type of condom in your vagina. It is a necessary precaution so that you become familiar with its use and placement, and thus be able to anticipate any eventuality.
We recommend that you do this practice at least a couple of times.
Remember that each time you put the female condom on; it will become easier to use.
1. When you are about to have sex, have your female condom handy. The first thing you should do is check the expiration date on the package. That way you make sure you can still use it.
2. Then open the package and spread the lubricant or spermicide on the outside of the closed end of the female condom.
3. Once you have done this, the female condom is ready to be placed inside your vagina. There is no single posture to perform this step. We recommend that you find for yourself the most comfortable and safe position that works for you. You can squat, lie down, sit in a chair, or stand up.
4. To put on the female condom; Using your thumb and index finger, form a pincer and squeeze the sides of the inner ring, holding them together. Be careful: the condom can be a bit slippery. Hold it firmly before trying to insert it into her vagina.
5. Using the index finger as a guide, insert the inner ring of the female condom like a tampon, and push up toward the cervix with this finger.
6. Once it has reached the cervix, the condom will expand naturally.
7. If you don’t feel the female condom, you’ve put it on properly.
8. Gently remove your finger and check that at least an inch of the condom is hanging out of your vagina. If a larger section of the female condom is sticking out, it is a sign that you have not put it on correctly.
9. During intercourse, have your partner insert his penis through the outer ring and into the condom.
10. If necessary, check that the penis is actually entering the condom and is not being pushed to the side of your vagina.
Tips for using the female condom
How effective are female condoms?
The female condom is a form of birth control. Like any contraceptive measure, it has some risks. It is necessary to clarify that no form of birth control, apart from abstinence, is 100% effective.
If female condoms are used correctly, they result in only 5 pregnancies out of 100 acts of intercourse. And what is perhaps even more important; female condoms help protect against STDs, including HIV, more effectively than male condoms.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of female condoms?
Female condoms are safe, simple, and effective. Both men and women can benefit from the use of female condoms for a variety of reasons.
Advantage:
- Share responsibility when it comes to STDs
- It can be purchased in pharmacies and some supermarkets with discretion
- Can be inserted by either partner prior to intimacy so can become part of foreplay
- They are a convenient substitute for those with latex allergies
- Can be used with oil and water-based lubricants
- Stays in place with or without an erect penis
Disadvantages:
- They don’t feel natural
- The penis can slip out, which can interrupt intercourse
- May cause irritation to the vagina or penis
