Female Condom

How do you use the female condom?
Advantages and disatvantages
Cost

Female condoms are condoms designed to be inserted into the vagina as a way of protecting against STIs and pregnancy. It's the only condom made for women, and is made from soft, polyurethane plastic. In drug stores, it's called Reality. The condom itself looks like a long, thin pocket with a soft ring at each end. The ring at the closed end is used to put the condom inside the vagina. It helps to keep the condom in place. The outer ring stays outside the vagina and covers part of the vaginal lips and the base of the penis during intercourse.

How do you use the female condom?

It is put into the woman's vagina before intercourse.

1. The closed end is put high in the vagina. It is easier to put in if you squeeze the ring. The outer ring at the open end stays outside the body and covers part of the outer lips of the vagina.
2. To take it out, squeeze and twist the outer ring to keep the sperm and fluid inside the pocket. Pull out gently.
3. Throw the used condom in the garbage. The female condom cannot be re-used. Do not flush it down the toilet.

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Advantages and disadvantages

What are the advantages?

• The female condom is the only birth control method that women can use for protection against both pregnancy and STIs. Because it covers more area around the vagina than the male condom, it can provide better protection against STIs that can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.
• You do not need a prescription nor does it require a doctor's fitting. Some women find it helpful to visit a doctor or nurse to learn how to use the female condom the right way.
• It is made from polyurethane so people with latex allergies can use the female condom.
• Gives the woman more control because they don't have to ask their partner to wear a condom.
• Can be worn for up to 8 hours before intercourse, and is less disruptive and more spontaneous.

Disadvantages

• It costs more than the male condom.
• Some women find the female condom difficult and uncomfortable to put in the vagina.

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Cost

What do they cost?

• Approximately $3-4 for each condom.
• Some clinics sell the female condoms for less

Male Condom
Condoms page

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