Female Condom

What is it? How does it work?

A female condom is a polyurethane pouch that fits inside a woman’s vagina. It has a soft ring on each end. The inner ring fits inside the vagina to hold the condom in place. The outer ring stays on the outside of the vagina and partly covers the labia. Female condoms protect against unintended pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Female condoms are used during sexual intercourse between a man and a woman, or between a woman and another woman.

How effective is it?

• 80% effective if used properly
• You cannot use a male condom along with a female condom.

Tips for Using a Female Condom Correctly

1. Squeeze the inner ring of the condom and place the inner ring and pouch into the vagina.
2. With your finger, push the inner ring as far into the vagina as it will go. The outer ring stays outside the vagina.
3. When the partner is male, guide the penis into the lubricated condom.
4. After intercourse, twist the outer ring to decrease spills, then put your index finger under upper ring and pull down and out.
5. Dispose of used condoms in the trash, not the toilet. Do not reuse condoms.
6. Use either a female condom or a male condom, but not both together as this can create friction and cause the condom to tear more easily.

Pros

• There are no serious side effects
• The female condom contains no hormones
• Anyone can buy condoms in a store without a prescription.
• May be inserted hours before intercourse
• The female condom is the only birth control method controlled by the woman that also protects against most sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Cons

• Side effects include possible allergic reactions to spermicide.
• The female condom may seem awkward to use.
• It is not as effective and is more expensive than a male condom.

Where can you get it?

Female condoms can be purchased at drug stores or supermarkets. Anyone can purchase female condoms in a store without a prescription.

When should you use it?

Every time you have sex. Using female condoms can prevent pregnancy, HIV and other STIs, and it shows that you care about yourself and your partner.

What does it cost?

$2.50 each

> next: Intra-Uterine device (IUD)