Female Condom
Barrier Method
A female condom is a sheath that is placed inside a woman’s vagina before sexual intercourse. It is a barrier method of contraception and protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
DETAILS
The female condom is a thin latex sheath that fits loosely inside your vagina. It has a flexible ring at the closed end of the condom to help insert it, and another ring at the open end to hold part of the condom outside the vagina.
The female condom works by forming a barrier to sperm out of the vagina, preventing pregnancy. Also helps protect you and your partner from possible infection.
When used correctly every time you have sex, the female condom is around 95% effective in preventing pregnancy.
HOW TO
The female condom needs to be put into the vagina before sex. You insert it almost like a tampon by squeezing the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom and putting it into the vagina.
The large ring at the open end of the condom must cover the area around the opening of the vagina. The penis needs to go into the female condom, and not between it and the vagina.
After sex, the female condom must be removed immediately by gently pulling it out. Twisting with a large ring will help prevent semen from leaking out. It may not be reused and needs to be thrown away.
PROS
- It is an effective form of contraception when used properly
- It protects both partners from sexually transmitted infections
- It is used on demand
- It is not affected by other medications
CONS
- It may interrupt sex
- They are not widely available
- It takes practice to insert it correctly
- May split or tear if not used properly
SIDE EFFECTS
There are no known side effects, though some people may be allergic to latex
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It provides women with an additional choice to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and unintended pregnancies. It is not intended as a replacement for the male condom but rather as an additional option for both women and men.
Female condoms are made from soft, thin synthetic latex or latex. They’re worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting to the womb.
A female condom is similar in length to a male condom. However, it is wider than a male condom as, once inserted, it lines the walls of the vagina and allows for movement of the penis inside the sheath. It also provides extra protection by covering part of the external female genitalia and the base of the penis.
The female condom does not interfere with menstruation and can therefore be used. However, the female condom should be inserted just before intercourse and removed soon after.
You can use the female condom when you are pregnant since the condom doesn’t move beyond the cervix. You can also use female condom after recently giving birth.
The female condom can be inserted in advance of sexual intercourse and does not need to be taken out immediately after intercourse.
Contraception Methods
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
DIAPHRAGM
DIAPHRAGM
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
FERTILITY AWARENESS
FERTILITY AWARENESS
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
MALE CONDOM
MALE CONDOM
PULL-OUT METHOD
PULL-OUT METHOD
SPERMICIDES
SPERMICIDES
SPONGE
SPONGE
STERILISATION
STERILISATION
THE PILL
THE PILL
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