A female condom is a smooth, loose-fitting pouch with a ring on each end. It is used as a birth control or contraceptive that serves as a shield to prevent the sperm from penetrating the uterus, and protection from unwanted pregnancy and diseases caused during copulation.
The benefits of using a female condoms:
- Immediately effective
- Protection from STIs
- Available without prescription or special fitting
- Can be inserted beforehand
- Rarely causes allergic reactions and has minimal side effects
- Doesn’t require a partner’s cooperation
Female condoms are made of polyurethane and synthetic latex, which is safe for those who have allergies to natural rubber latex, the main component used to make most male condoms. Female condoms are not affected by humidity or temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, certain women think the exterior ring of the female condom stimulates or activates the clitoris.
Try another type of contraceptive if you:
- Are allergic to synthetic latex or polyurethane
- Uncomfortable with the insertion
- Have vaginal abnormalities that interfere with the fit or placement of the female condom
- At high risk of pregnancy
Risks
The failure rate for female condoms is higher than its counterpart the male condoms. Condom malfunction means it is more likely to develop sexually transmitted infections or get pregnant.
Common failure:
- It breaks
- Slips out of the vagina
- The outer ring gets pushed into the vaginal canal during sex
- The penis slips between the vagina and the condom
- During insertion, the female condom can also cause a burning sensation, a rash, or itching.
