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All About Female Condoms-Uses, Effectiveness And Tips

What are female condoms?

A female condom is a birth control device made up of polyurethane or a newer version made of nitrile, a man-made latex-free material. It is a long pouch that fits inside the vagina and like a male condom, collects the semen and aims to reduce the chances of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

The female condom needs to be placed inside the vagina before beginning intercourse These are said to be approx 95% effective when compared to male condoms (98% effective).

How to use a female condom?

Wearing a female condom can be tricky in the beginning, but it gets easier with practice.

Do not reuse a condom. Wear a fresh one after each round of vaginal sex.
Wash your hand and open the packet and remove the condom carefully. Do not tear the packet with your teeth.
Check the condom for any signs of damage.
Find the most comfortable position for you to relax in while you place the condom. You may lie on your back, squat or place one leg higher on a chair seat.
Just like you would wear a tampon, squeeze the small ring present at the closed end of the condom and insert it as far as it goes inside your vagina. Let go of the ring so that it fits over the cervix and covers it
The ring on the open side of the condom rests outside the vagina.
Remove the female condom carefully after sex. Twist the loose outer open side to prevent semen from leaking out.
Dispose of the used condom.
Most female condoms are pre-lubricated but you can add more lubricant for easy use. Read the packaging to see which lubricants are suitable.

Effectiveness of female condoms

If you wear the female condom correctly and follow the instructions listed on the packaging, it is may serve as an effective measure for contraception. Statistically speaking a female condom is upto 95% effective when used correctly. However, some situations can make the female condom less effective. If-

A penis comes in contact with the vagina before the female condom is worn
The condom tears due to sharp nails, teeth bite or jewellery while opening
The condom gets pushed back too far inside the vagina

If you think that semen has entered your vagina. Consult your doctor about-

An emergency contraceptive pill
Go for an STI testing at your nearby health facility

Advantages of female condoms

Can be purchased from a pharmacy or family planning clinic without a prescription.
Can be used during pregnancy, after childbirth and during menstruation.
Acts as effective protection against unwanted pregnancy and STIs.
Not made of latex but a softer material called nitrile, which does not irritate the skin or cause allergies.
Female condoms can be worn 8 hours before sexual intercourse, therefore it does not ruin the mood.
It remains secure in its position even if your partner loses his erection.
You can use both oil-based and water-based lubricants without damaging the condom or making it less effective.
The female condom has a longer shelf life compared to a male condom. It lasts for upto 5 years and is not affected by sunlight or humidity.
There are no serious health hazards of a female condom.

Disadvantages of female condoms

They are more expensive than male condoms.
Difficulty in wearing. Not all females are comfortable putting on female condoms.
Not as widely available or popular as male condoms.
Friction and lack of lubrication can make sex less pleasurable and uncomfortable.
No contact between the penis and vagina reduces clitoral stimulation.
There is still a chance of STIs.
Female condoms are available in only one size.

Important points to remember

Do not use a male and female condom together. The friction may cause either or both condoms to tear.
Do not tear open the condom package with your teeth or sharp objects like scissors or fingernails.
If the female condom breaks, it bunches up inside the vagina. Remove it immediately and replace it right away.
Remove tampons before wearing the condom.
Keep a male condom in handy in case of any emergency.
Condoms do not assure 100% contraception. Consult your doctor for additional measures (IUD, contraceptive pills etc.) for contraception.

Conclusion

Even though you do not need to remove the condom immediately after sex, it is advised to do so to avoid any incident of sperm spillage. Female condoms do not completely eliminate but significantly reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Make sure to read the instructions on the package on how to wear the condom and the lubrication specifications to ensure a safe, pleasurable and hassle-free sexual experience.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

World Sexual Health Day – Why Sexually Active Adults Need Regular Checkups?

The world sexual health day is on 4th September. The theme of this year’s sexual health awareness day is making sexual health inclusive. It all starts with making people understand why a health check-up is integral to their sexual health.

Securing your sexual health is liberating. You owe these check-ups not just to yourself but to your partner too.

When Should You Opt For A Sexual Health Check-Up?

Once you have an active sex life, you must visit the doctor regularly. Age is not a factor here. No matter how young you are or how elderly, an active sex life always calls for a check-up.

A few other scenarios that require sexual health check-up are-

If you’ve had sex with someone with sexually transmitted diseases.
If you’ve changed your sexual partner recently.
If you are engaging in sex with multiple partners.
If you have unprotected sex.
If you have a history of sexually transmitted diseases.
If you notice strange symptoms or if your genitals are stinging or hurting.
If you are a woman using Intrauterine Device (IUD).

Why do you need a Sexual Health Check-up?

A sexual health check-up will determine if everything is alright with your sexual organs. The reason you should opt for a test regularly is that sexually transmitted diseases exhibit symptoms that you might not recognise and if you ignore them, the disease would spiral out of control. But, a test would detect the disease that is about to set in and your doctor will suggest medicines to cure it. The sooner the disease is diagnosed the greater the possibility of a speedy recovery.

Also Read: Sexual Frustration: Exploring Causes, Symptoms, and Potential Solutions

How Often Should You Go For a Test?

How frequently you need a test depends on just how active you are sexual –

If you have just one partner and you have infrequent sexual intercourse, just one test a year will do.
If you have one sexual partner but you have a very active sex life, then go for a test bi-annually.
If you have multiple sex partners, you need a test every three months.

What happens during the test?

During the test, you will be asked about your sexual history and if you’ve ever had a sexually transmitted disease.

Your doctor will conduct a visual or pelvic examination. A look at the affected area will tell your doctor if you need further tests or if you are healthy.

If the doctor feels like you may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease, then you will have to go for further tests such as blood/urine/swab tests or an internal examination if you are a woman.

Your sexual health is every bit as important as the health and wellbeing of other parts of your body. If you do not go for regular check-ups, you could end up with complications that will invite pain and anxiety.

Regular check-ups are essential to keep track of sexual health. It is also extremely necessary to take steps actively to maintain it. Try our new products that help to boost and maintain sexual wellness.

Also Read: Bleeding During Sex With No Pain: A Comprehensive Guide to Underlying Causes

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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