Female Condom

What is the female condom?
The female condom is a thin, soft, loose-fitting sheath. It comes in various sizes. The female condom prevents sperm from entering the vagina by acting as a barrier. The female condom is like the male condom in its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Consistent and correct use of the female latex condom reduces the risk of transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections. The female condom is not available in Malta.

What is the efficacy of a female condom?
There have only been a few studies researching the efficacy of the female condom, but these indicate that the efficacy ranges from 79% for typical use to 98% for perfect use.

How to use a female condom?
It has an inner and an outer ring. The inner ring, which is situated at the closed end of the condom, is used to aid insertion. The outer ring is situated at the open end of the condom and lies flat against the vulva and covers part of the external genitalia, therefore giving more protection against STIs than the male condom.

What are the contraindications for female condom use?

• Present vaginal, cervical, or pelvic infections which must be investigated and treated first.
• Inability by client to touch genital area.

How to put on a female condom:
The packet contains instructions. To use a female condom correctly, follow these steps:

• Use a condom every time you have sex.
• Check the expiry on the date of the packet.
• Carefully open and remove female condom from package to prevent tearing.
• You can put the condom in when you are lying down, squatting, or with one leg on a chair.
• The thick, inner ring with closed end is used for placing in the vagina and holds the condom in place. The thin, outer ring remains outside of body, covering the vaginal opening.
• While holding outside of condom at closed end, squeeze sides of inner ring together with your index or middle finger and thumb and insert into vagina. It is like inserting a tampon.
• Using your finger, push the inner ring as far up as it will go until it rests against the cervix. The condom will expand naturally, and you may not feel it.
• Be sure the condom is not twisted. The thin, outer ring should remain outside vagina.
• It is a good idea to guide your partner’s penis into the opening of female condom. Stop intercourse if you feel penis slip between the condom and the walls of the vagina or if the outer ring is pushed into the vagina.
• To remove, gently twist the outer ring and pull the female condom out of the vagina.
• Throw away the female condom after using it one time. Never reuse female condoms.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of female condoms?
Advantages

• Gives women control and choice over their own sexual health.
• Very rarely splits.
• Less loss of sensitivity when compared with male condom.
• Is made from hypoallergenic material and is safe to use with people who are allergic to rubber latex.
• Female condoms are not dependent on the penis being erect for insertion and do not require immediate withdrawal after ejaculation.
• Unlike the male condom, it is not tight or constricting.
• Protects against STIs and HIV.
• Can be used in conjunction with oil-based products for lubrication (except with female condoms made from latex).
• No systemic side effects.

Disadvantages

• Perceived as noisy.
• Not aesthetically pleasing to many women and their partners.
• Requires motivation.
• May be perceived as interrupting sexual intercourse.
• Not as widely available as male condoms.

Should I use a lubricant with a condom?
Most condoms come ready with lubricant. If needed, water-based lubricants are recommended to be used on condoms.

I have just had a baby. Can I use condoms?
Yes, you can use condoms after you have had a baby.

Can I use condoms after a miscarriage?
Yes, condoms can be used immediately after a miscarriage.