A female condom is a barrier method of contraception, used to prevent the sperm from getting into the uterus and to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Also called an “internal condom”, it provides a few advantages over a male condom. In this article, we look at how to insert a female condom, its effectiveness, disadvantages, and the uses of female condoms.
Using a female condom can take a bit of practice, but it gets easier with each use. To ensure maximum efficiency, it is vital to use the condom correctly every time.
Female condoms can be used during vaginal sex as well as anal sex. This is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Check the packaging of the condom for an expiration date and a mark of safety by FDA, ISO, CE, or Kitemark. (This mark confirms that the product meets their safety standards)
Store the condom in a cool, dry place where you can reach for it when needed. For example, in your bedside drawer or a bag. Do not store it in your pocket or hand where it can scrunch up or get damaged due to excess heat.
Take the condom out of its foil. Make sure to be careful not to damage the condom while opening the packaging. Avoid using teeth, fingernails, or sharp jewelry.
The condom comes with some level of lubrication. You can always add more lubricant for easier application. More lubrication can also minimize the noise of the condom during intercourse.
There are two ways to use a female condom during anal sex:
It is essential to lube the anal area with as much lubricant as possible. This is because, in contrast to the vagina, the anus does not create its own lube.
Female condoms are one of the most trusted methods of contraception when used correctly. They have an efficacy rate of 95 percent with proper use. This indicates that in a year, 5 out of 100 women got pregnant by using a female condom as the sole method of contraception.
Unfortunately, there are higher cases of incorrect usage of a female condom. This can cause the efficacy rate to drop as low as 79 percent. This indicates that 21 people faced accidental pregnancies in a year due to incorrect and sole use of female condoms.
Below are some tips to maximize the effectiveness and uses of female condoms:
An important thing to remember is to avoid using a male and a female condom simultaneously. No, this does not provide you with “double protection”. In actuality, this can lead to condom breakage and tear, thus resulting in a higher risk of STDs or pregnancy.
Besides protecting against unwanted pregnancies, there are many other benefits and uses of female condoms. Some of these are:
Condoms are the only method of contraception that provides complete protection against STDs. Contraceptives like pills and IUDs among others, cannot protect against diseases like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV.
However, it is always a better idea to use other contraceptives with condoms to provide STD protection along with extra safety against unwanted pregnancies.
Male condoms are usually made of latex. This material is a genital-skin irritant in many cases. Female condoms are made out of nitrile. As opposed to latex, nitrite does not irritate sensitive genital skin due to its hypoallergenic properties.
Many men like their penis to have some breathing space during intercourse. Since a male condom fits snugly around their penises, it leaves them with none. Large in size, a female condom feels a lot more comfortable to male counterparts too.
The outer ring often provides extra clitoral stimulation, while the inner ring provides extra stimulation inside the vagina. These factors have led women to feel a heightened sense of pleasure.
Another factor that adds to this benefit is the sense of control felt while using a female condom. Many women have reported that they do not trust their partners fully to use a condom. With the control being in their hands, they did not have to worry about the consequences of unprotected sex which ultimately helped heighten their sexual experience.
Apart from the multiple uses of female condoms, it also comes with a few disadvantages. These are:
In case the condom is making too much noise, you can always add more lubricant. As opposed to latex condoms, female ones do not degrade when used with oil-based lubricants. You can also place the condom in the earlier stages of foreplay to give it time to stick to your vaginal walls. This way they make even less noise.
It is best to practice the insertion of a female condom before actually using it. While choosing one, make sure to check for any tears or holes and the expiration date. Read all instructions carefully and never reuse a female condom or use it in combination with a male one.
