Sexually Transmitted Infections
Female CondomS
How Female condoms Work
The female condom is like a thin plastic "baggie" that fits upside-down in the vagina. The closed end is held inside by a flexible ring attached to the condom, and a larger ring holds the open end outside of the vagina. The pouch collects semen and prevents it from entering your vagina.
The Good: It protects against most STIs, it can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex, and it's a great option for couples who are allergic to latex.
The Not-So-Good: Initially, it's a bit of a pain to insert them correctly (but keep trying!), and you have to careful to make sure the guy's penis doesn't slip in around the outside ring, pushing the condom aside. Don't forget to remove it after sex, before you stand up. They're also more expensive then male condoms.
The Great: Female condoms are easy to get. Check your nearest drugstore, or drop by your local family planning clinic to get one.
how to use a female condom
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Carefully remove the condom from its package. |
One end of the condom will have an opening for the penis to enter. This end will remain outside the vagina. |
Squeeze the flexible inner ring at the closed end of the condom. |
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Some women find it comfortable to insert the condom while standing with one leg raised, |
or you may find it more comfortable to insert the female condom while squatting or lying down. |
While squeezing the ring, insert the closed end of the condom into your vagina. |
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Placing your index finger inside of the condom, gently push the inner ring into your vagina as far as it will go. Be careful not to twist the condom. |
The outer ring of the condom should remain outside of the vagina. Placing lubrication inside of the condom may help keep it in place during sex. |
Make sure his penis enters inside the female condom, not to one side. The female condom should not be used with a male condom. |
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When removing the condom after sex, twist the outer ring so that no semen leaks out during removal. |
Throw the used female condom into the garbage. Do not flush it down the toilet. Do not reuse the condom. |
It's no wonder that so many people use condoms. Protecting yourself from STIs is really important and, if you're going to have sex, condoms are your best bet at staying safe. They're also cheap and really easy to use.
Learn More about Female Condoms
Last Modified: December 15, 2006
