Condoms, hormone rods, IUDs, and the pill. They are well-known contraceptives, but do you know enough about the female condom? 

In some countries, the choice of contraceptives is vast. While contraceptives prevent pregnancy, the female condom is the only one that, if used correctly, can prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancies. What else do we know about this contraceptive? Let us list the essential facts. 

1) What Is a Female Condom? 

A female condom is shaped like a rubber sleeve, similar to a male condom, but larger. There is a flexible ring at the beginning and end of the condom that is inserted into the vagina. Yes, it is a female condom that is inserted into the vagina, not covering the penis. It seals the cervix and prevents sperm from entering the uterus and fallopian tubes. This prevents pregnancy. In addition, the largest ring of the female condom encases the labia majora, which reduces the risk of contracting STIs. Moreover, the penis never touches the vaginal mucosa. This also prevents most STIs. 

2) How Are Female Condoms Used? 

But what about using such rubber sleeves for women? That is what we are going to explain. Just before sex, a female condom is inserted into the vagina. Make sure the condom has not expired. 

Carefully tear the package. Be careful not to tear the condom. The female condom is shaped like a plastic box with two flexible rings around the condom opening: small and large rings. Squeeze the small ring and insert your finger inside the condom. Push the small ring as far into the vagina as possible and keep the large ring outside the vagina. If you follow these steps, you will have safe sex. 

After sexual intercourse, remove the condom from the vagina. To do this, grab the outer ring and pull the condom out. Do not allow semen to enter the vagina. Good to know: use a new female condom each time you have sex. This product can only be used once. 

3) How Reliable Are Female Condoms? 

While the correct use of a female condom can protect against pregnancy and STDs, incorrect insertion increases the risk of pregnancy and STDs. Female condoms are less reliable than male condoms because condoms can twist inside the vagina. Out of every 1,000 women who use female condoms correctly, 50 become pregnant each year, 20 with male condoms. 

4) What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages? 

Female condoms have various advantages and disadvantages. As mentioned earlier, condoms protect against unwanted pregnancy and STDs. It is also nice that the contraceptive can be inserted before sexual intercourse and does not contain hormones. Moreover, condoms can be purchased by yourself at supermarkets, pharmacies, and drugstores, and as a woman, you are not dependent on a man. Some couples find female condoms more comfortable and hygienic if they want to have sexual intercourse during menstruation. 

Of course, this contraceptive also has its drawbacks: if the condom is not inserted correctly, the penis may enter next to the female condom, or sperm may leak from the condom into the vagina. This makes female condoms an unreliable contraceptive method. They are also more expensive than male condoms and contraception should always be considered before having sex. Typically, female condoms are purchased in boxes of three. You then pay 5.00 to 8.00 euros per box. 

If you have never used a female condom, you should practice insertion first. 

5) For Whom Are Female Condoms Suitable? 

Do you prefer a contraceptive method that does not use hormones? Then a female condom may be a good choice. But you don’t want to think about contraception right before or during sex and are looking for a more reliable method of birth control? Then omit the female condom and use another means, such as the pill or an IUD.