Female Condoms
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Perhaps you've wondered why to use female condoms if male condoms seem to be more practical and easy to use? Let’s give that responsibility to our partner, he has to use the condom and we just have to enjoy sex without worries. That is easy to think, isn’t it?
The truth is that both women and men have the same responsibility. Both have to take care from infections and the possibility of getting pregnant.
Let me tell you more about the condom, and then you have to decide whether this contraceptive is the most convenient and pleasant for you.
- What is the condom?
- How the condom works?
- How effective is the condom?
- What are the benefits of using the condom?
- What are the disadvantages of the condom?
- How to use the condom?
What is the condom?
Female condoms consist of a sleeve made of polyurethane or rubber, with a small ring around the center portion and a large flexible ring encircling the outer edge. This condom is used during intercourse to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), and to prevent pregnancy.
The small ring is placed inside the vagina and the large ring stays outside the vagina, covering a little bit the lips area or clitoris. In some women the outer ring produces more excitement because it touches the lips during sex.The condom is the only contraceptive that helps to protect against sexual infections. In fact, this condom is also used by gays in anal sex.
The condom comes in only one size and it does not have to be inserted by a specialist. It comes already prelubricated, but if you want, you may add some lubricant. Spermicidal can also be used together with the condom in order to have double protection in case of failure.
How the condom works?
Female condoms are used as a barrier between the penis and vagina, and to prevent contact of vaginal fluids and semen. Thus, the condom prevents sperm can travel to any distracted egg. Similarly, the condom will prevent contact with possible infections.The condom should be removed after-ejaculation. After a single act of intercourse, the condom must be replaced with another one before there is some subsequent penis-vagina contact.
How effective is the condom?
The condom, like any other contraceptive, has a degree of effectiveness. According to "Contraceptive Technology 17th Revised Edition", the effectiveness of condom is as follows:- If the condom is used correctly, its effectiveness is 5 out of 100 women can get pregnant within a year.
- If the condom is used incorrectly, its effectiveness is 21 out of 100 women can get pregnant within a year.
The female condom is less effective than the male condom. The effectiveness of male condoms is 2 out of 100 if used correctly, and 15 out of 100 if used incorrectly.
If you have decided to use a condom, I recommend you also to use a spermicidal to ensure greater protection in case the condom breaks or it has been placed incorrectly.
What are the benefits of using the condom?
The advantages of female condoms are:- It is the only contraceptive method that prevents sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
- It prevents pregnancy because sperm are encapsulated in the condom and can not travel to fertilize an egg.
- You can share responsibility with your partner in preventing any infection.
- There are no side effects whatsoever.
- You can additionally use a lubricant, without decreasing the effectiveness of the condom.
- You can put the condom by yourself, up to 8 hours before sex. Unlike the male condom, it must be placed precisely at the time of introducing the penis into the vagina.
- Some women feel even greater pleasure with the touch of the outer ring in the clitoris during penetration.
- You can buy condoms at any drugstore, even without prescription.
- The condom can be used, even If you or your partner are allergic to latex condoms.
- When compared to the male condom, the condom may also provide a reduced risk of skin-to-skin sexually transmitted diseases, such as human papilloma virus and herpes, because it covers a larger exposed area during intercourse.
What are the disadvantages of the condom?
The disadvantages of female condoms are:- Placing the condom inside the vagina may be difficult for some women. Before having any intercourse, I suggest buy a condom and make a try by placing the condom in your vagina.
How do you feel?
Does it bother you?
Was it easy to place it?
You are your own judge.
- Personally I do not feel comfortable by putting my fingers inside my vagina. If you feel the same discomfort like me, maybe the condom is not the contraceptive method most appropriate or convenient for you. Look at another contraceptive alternative.
Remember, you have to feel comfortable with any type of birth control. However, if the objective is the protection against infection, there is no choice, you have to use the condom.
- Normally the female condom does not contain spermicidal, unlike the male condom. Buying an extra spermicidal is definitely more expensive. Some women are very sensitive skin, and spermicidal can irritate the clitoris.
- The condom, although scientifically proven, may break. If the condom breaks, remember that there is always a second chance, "The Emergency Pill".
- The female condom is definitely more expensive than male condoms.
- The condom normally makes strange noises during penetration. These noises can distract and lose the natural charm of sex.
How to use the condom?
For safety and protection, I recommend you use a spermicidal and maybe additionally a lubricant. Both must be placed outside of the small ring, precisely the end that goes into your vagina. The lubricant may also help to reduce the noise of the condom during sexual intercourse.You need to practice several times to learn how to put the condom. To give you a little help, follow these instructions:
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How to use it |
- Stand with one foot placed in a chair next to you, or you can sit with your knees apart.
- Squeeze the small ring before inserting the condom into your vagina. Use your hands to separate the outer lips, and insert the condom down into the vagina.
- Push the inner ring to the cervix.
- Make sure the condom is not twisted.
- When you remove your finger from the vagina, make sure the outer edge is about an inch out of your body, around your lips.
- During intercourse, the condom may move. Make sure the outer edge is not pushed inside.
- After your partner ejaculates, press and twist the end ring to maintain the flow, including sperm, inside the condom. Gently pull the condom out, and discard it.
Sounds tricky, isn’t it?
Final Thoughts
Personally, I believe that female condoms should be used always if there is a sexually transmitted infection.
If you have sex with only one person and both know for sure that there is no any infection or sexually transmitted disease, my suggestion is to use another method of birth control. The condom can be a non-practical method compared with another one.
Remember, you and your partner should enjoy sex. It should be a pleasant experience.
In any circumstance, if you suspect or feel pregnancy first signs, perform a pregnancy test immediately, and if you are pregnant, make your first visit with your doctor to confirm your pregnancy.
Regardless of which method of birth control you use, it is important that you use a method which does not cause discomfort.
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I protect my family |
Read about other types of birth control:
Contraception Pill | Shot | Aviane | IUD |Patch | Nuva ring | Seasonal | Natural | Emergency pill
Return from Female Condoms to Types of Birth Control Page
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