Less known than its male counterpart, the female condom is a non-hormonal contraceptive that protects against pregnancy and STIs. How to put it? What advantages? What price ?
The female condom is, like the male condom, a small nitrile or polyurethane sheath that fits inside the vagina before each sexual intercourse and which prevents ovulation. It also protects against STIs. How does it work ? What can alter its effectiveness? What are its advantages and disadvantages ? Answers and instructions.
It is a small rubber sheath: either nitrile or polyurethane with two flexible rings at each end (a smaller inner ring and a larger outer one). The female condom is generally lubricated and is for single use only..
How do female condoms work?
The female condom is introduced into the vagina before sexual intercourse and makes it possible to “barrier” the sperm present in the pre-seminal fluid and in the semen during ejaculation. Thus, it allows block ovulation. In addition, the female condom, like its male counterpart, is the only contraception capable protect against sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
► Wash your hands before handling the female condom and check its expiry date. Gently open the package that contains the new condom. A notch makes it easy to open without having to use scissors or tear it with your fingernails, which would tear the condom. Sit in a comfortable position (lying down, squatting, standing with one leg raised at an angle, etc.).
► Pinch the inner ring (therefore the smaller one) between your thumb and your index finger, then insert it into your vagina, the more basically possible. Use your index or middle finger to spread the labia majora and push the ring even further.
► The inner ring is correctly positioned when it is against the cervix. The outer ring, on the other hand, must be at theexterior of the vagina and must cover the external genitalia such as the clitoris and labia majora. It can be placed just before the report or a few hours before. In this case, it may be necessary to reapply lubricant during intercourse. Finally, you can practice putting it on and try to find the most comfortable position to get used to putting it on properly. Normally, after 3 or 4 times, you will know how to position it correctly.
► During the report, the man’s penis enters inside the condom. With back and forth movements, the sheath may move a little, but normally you are still protected. On the other hand, if the outer ring enters the vagina, it is better to stop the report, and put on another condom. For more precaution, you can also hold the outer ring with one hand during penetration and guide your partner’s penis inside with your other hand.
Good to know : never use a male condom and a female condom at the same time. The friction could tear one of them and no longer protect you.
At the end of the report, turn the outer ring on itself to prevent semen from flowing into the vagina and gently pull the condom to extract it from the vagina. Born the don’t throw it in the toilet, but in a trash can. Good to know: the female condom must be used in a unique way: it must be changed with each sexual intercourse and between each penetration.
How effective are female condoms?
If used correctly, the female condom has 95% efficiency. However, errors in handling, expiry date, positioning or tearing during intercourse… mean that its current effectiveness is 79%. For better protection, you can combine the use of a condom with another method of contraception (this is called dual contraception), such as the pill, the IUD, the contraceptive implant or spermicides.
What to do if the condom has cracked?
Regardless of the circumstances, a condom “accident” can happen. If you notice that the condom slipped or broke during intercourse and you are not taking any other contraception, you can use emergency contraception such as the morning after pill. Then, in the event of a risk report, it will be necessary to carry out an STI screening test.
Examples of female condom names
- Femidom®
- Ioovara®
- Ormelle®
- Beppy®
What is the price of a female condom?
The female condom is available in pharmacies (it does not require a medical prescription), in Family Planning and Education Centers (CPEF) and also on the internet (in this case, check that they have the CE marking or the NF standard). Its indicative retail price is 8.70 euros the box of three.
Where can I find free female condoms?
It can be free in CPEFs, in screening centers and in associations fighting against HIV.
What are the benefits of the female condom?
The female condom has many advantages:
- It is suitable for all women, those starting their sex life and those more experienced. In addition, it adapts to all shapes of vagina and does not require a medical prescription.
- It is suitable for people allergic to latex because the female condom is made of nitrile or polyurethane.
- Stronger than the male condom, the female condom is more resistant and tears less easily.
- It is thinner than the male condom, so allows more sensitivity during intercourse.
- In addition to protecting against unwanted pregnancies, it protects against sexually transmitted infections such as condyloma, genital herpes or HIV…
- The female condom can be used in different positions, during menstruation or during pregnancy. However, it cannot be used with a diaphragm or cervical cap.
- It can be placed several hours (up to 8 hours) before sexual intercourse and unlike the male condom, it does not require the man to withdraw immediately after having ejaculated. His pose therefore does not interrupt the spontaneity of the preliminaries and the report.
- Finally, it is hormone-free so does not interfere with the hormonal system and does not impact cycle length. It is a good alternative for people who want contraception without hormones.
What are the disadvantages of the female condom?
Like any method of contraception, the female condom can have disadvantages:
- It takes a bit of practice to set it up. Once the gesture is assimilated, its pose remains easy. You can ask your gynecologist for advice on its placement or removal.
- You or your partner can feel it during intercourse. It is also advisable to be a little vigilant about its maintenance, especially during penetration.
- It can be noisy during intercourse depending on the speed of movement and positions. With a little more lubricating gel, the noise of friction can be reduced.
- It is more expensive than some contraceptives.