Female condoms are used both to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to stop the spread of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). Like male condoms, female condoms act as a barrier to prevent a man’s sperm reaching the eggs, or ova, of a woman and stop fertilisation. All condoms, whether worn by men or women, are the only contraceptive device that protects against both pregnancy and STIs.
The female condom is made from polyurethane, a thin type of rubber, and is worn inside the vagina during sexual intercourse. If you are using a female condom, you need to insert the sheath before intercourse begins and must ensure that the penis enters the vagina into the condom. The condom should be carefully removed immediately after sex to prevent any contact between the semen and the vagina and disposed of in a bin. Don’t flush the condom down the toilet.
It may take you several practices to get used to inserting the female condom into your vagina. Occasionally the condom can get pushed too far in but they are easy to remove. If the condom you are using has failed in any way or if your partner has bypassed the condom during sexual intercourse, you should seek emergency contraception to ensure you do not become pregnant. In such instances, you may need a check-up with your GP or at a GUM clinic to minimise the risk of contracting an STI.
Female condoms are 95% effective in preventing pregnancy but must be used correctly to give the best protection. Store them in cool, dry conditions and ensure the condom is not ripped or damaged before use. Free condoms are available from sexual health and genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, community contraceptive clinics and from some GP surgeries. Only use condoms that come with a CE mark to demonstrate they have been tested to European safety standards.
Using female condoms to stop the exchange of bodily fluids can protect you against STIs, including HIV, and are a reliable form of contraception against pregnancy.
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