Educational Information
What is a female condom?
The female condom is a thin, soft lubricated polyurethane sheath. It is placed inside the vagina before sexual intercourse to prevent sperms from entering the uterus. It may reduce the chance of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDS), including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
The female condom has a closed end with an inner ring. To use a female condom, put a finger inside the condom to push the inner ring upward until it is fixed above the pubic bone. The outer ring will be left outside the vagina during sex.
How effective are female condoms?
According to statistics, the percentage of women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy within the first year of use is 5-21%.
How to use a female condom:
- Check the package to ensure that it is intact and has not expired. Tear open the package carefully and gently press out the female condom. Be careful not to damage it with sharp fingernails.
- Take a comfortable posture to put on the female condom, you may either lie down with legs apart or stand up with one foot stepping on a chair.
- Identify the inner ring located at the closed end of the condom. By using the thumb, index finger and middle finger, squeeze the lower half of the inner ring (Diagram 1).
- Use the other hand to separate the labia and insert the inner ring into vagina as far as possible (Diagram 2).
- Put a finger inside the condom to push the inner ring upward until it is up just past the pubic bone. You will find the pubic bone by curving your finger where it is a couple of inches inside the vagina. The outer ring will be left outside the vagina (Diagram 3).
- During intercourse, the penis must be inserted through the outer ring.
- After intercourse, twist the outer ring 2-3 times before pulling the female condom out to avoid semen spillage (Diagram 4).
- A new condom must be used for each act of intercourse.
How to take out a female condom?
The female condom does not need to be taken out immediately after intercourse. After intercourse, twist the outer ring 2-3 times and pull the female condom out gently to avoid semen spillage. The used condom can be put back in the packaging bag or wrapped with tissue paper and dispose it in a trash can. Do not flush. A new condom must be used for each act of intercourse.
Other essential Information:
- If the semen accidentally entered your vagina, seek emergency contraception as soon as possible.
- Put on the female condom before close genital contact. This allows for a more spontaneous act because an erection is not needed to insert the condom.
- Take the condom out of the packet carefully and make sure not to damage it with sharp fingernails.
- You may notice the female condom moves around during sex, it is normal. The semen would remain inside the condom as the penis is still covered.
- If you begin to feel the outer ring being pushed into the vagina or the penis starts to enter the vagina, stop intercourse immediately. Take out the female condom and put in a new one. Make sure the outer ring lies over the vagina.
Does using a female condom make sex less pleasurable?
A female condom is usually pre-lubricated, which can give a moist and natural feeling to the skin.
What to do if the penis is inserted outside the female condom?
Ask your partner to withdraw the penis and help him reinsert the penis inside the condom.
How often does a female condom break?
A female condom is made of polyurethane, which is stronger than the latex used in a male condom. Be careful not to damage it with sharp fingernails or objects. If it does break, you should replace it with a new one.
Do female condoms come in different sizes?
It comes in one size that is designed to fit most women. The female condom is slipped inside the vagina where it creates a barrier that stops sperms from entering the uterus.
Will the female condom bunch up inside the vagina?
The female condom should not bunch up inside if it is inserted properly. If you feel the condom bunches up when the penis goes inside, add more lubricant.
Can I use the female condom during menstruation?
Yes. It does not interfere with menstruation.
