What
is the female condom?
The female condom, the first condom-like device designed for women,
was approved by the FDA in May 1993 for sale in the US
It is
a loose-fitting, pre-lubricated, 7-inch polyurethane pouch that
fits into the vagina. It is a barrier method of birth control, which
if used correctly, can prevent semen from being deposited in the
vagina. It can also protect women against several sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), including HIV, by preventing the exchange of
fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, blood).
In the
US it is sold under the name "Reality." This same product
is sold under different names in other countries. It is available
without a prescription in most major drug stores, although it may
be somewhat difficult to find. It is also available through the
manufacturer's
web site. It is sold in packs of 3 or 6 and costs
$2 to $3 dollars per condom. Reality female condoms are available
at Health Education, which is on the 3rd floor of Health Services.
How
is it used?
There is a flexible ring at the closed end of the thin, soft pouch.
A slightly larger ring is at the open end. The ring at the closed
end holds the condom in place in the vagina. The ring at the open
end rests outside the vagina. If the condom is correctly placed
in the vagina, it should form a "lining" against the walls
of the vagina. The female condom can be put in up to 8 hours before
sex. Follow these instructions for inserting it:
Find
a comfortable position. Three possible options are standing with
one foot on a chair, squatting with your knees apart or lying
down with your legs bent and knees apart.
Hold
the female condom with the open end hanging down. Squeeze the
inner ring (at the closed end) with your thumb and middle finger
and insert it into the vagina just past the pubic bone, much like
a diaphragm or cervical cap. This inner ring lies at the closed
end of the sheath and serves as an insertion mechanism and internal
anchor. Make sure the condom is inserted straight and not twisted
into the vagina.
The
outer ring forms the external edge of the sheath and remains outside
the vagina after it is inserted. Once in place, the device should
cover the woman's labia and the base of the penis during intercourse.
During
sex, it may be helpful to use your hand to guide the penis into
the vagina inside the female condom. It is important that the
penis is not inserted to the side of the outer ring. If the condom
seems to be sticking to and moving with the penis rather than
resting in the vagina, stop and add lubricant (K-Y jelly, Surgilube,
Astroglide) to the inside of the condom (near the outer ring)
or to the penis.
Female
condoms should not be used simultaneously with male condoms because
the friction between the two condoms may cause the condoms to break.
To remove
the female condom after intercourse:
Squeeze
and twist the outer ring to keep the semen inside the pouch.
Remove
it gently before you stand up. Wrap it in a tissue and throw it
away in the garbage. Do not flush it down the toilet.
Do not
reuse female condoms. Use a new one every time you have intercourse.
Be careful not to tear the condom with fingernails or sharp objects.
How
effective is the female condom in preventing pregnancy and STIs?
Studies of the Reality condom show that it provides similar protection
against pregnancy as other barrier methods, such as the diaphragm.
If used perfectly, 5% of women will experience a pregnancy within
the first year of use. In typical use (which includes imperfect
insertion and inconsistent use), 21% of couples will experience
a pregnancy within the first year. The rate of breaks or tears in
the female condom is less than 1%, compared to 4% with the male
condom.
Like
the male condom, the female condom does not provide complete protection
against all STIs. Infections such as herpes or HPV (genital warts)
may still be transmitted by organisms on areas of the skin that
are not covered by the condom.
What
are the benefits?
The
female condom provides an opportunity for women to share responsibility
for the use of condoms with their partners.
A
woman can use the female condom if her partner refuses to use
condoms.
The
polyurethane is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than
a male latex condom. It also tears less often.
The
female condom is available over the counter without a prescription.
Unlike a diaphragm, it does not need to be fitted by a medical
provider (one size fits all).
The
female condom will protect against most STIs if it is used correctly. It also covers much of the vulva for additional protection in that area.
The outer ring of the female condom stimulates the clitoris during intercourse.
The female condom can be used for protection against STIs during oral sex. Its design allows tongue insertion and fingering of the vagina or anus. If using the female condom in the anus, remove the inner ring before insertion.
It
can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex so it does not interfere
with "the moment."
The
polyurethane is thin and conducts heat well so sensation is preserved.
What
are the disadvantages?
The
outer ring is visible outside the vagina, which makes some women
self-conscious in front of their partners.
It
makes crackling and popping noises during intercourse. Extra lubricant
may help this problem.
It
has a higher failure rate than non-barrier methods such as oral
contraceptive pills.
It
is somewhat cumbersome to insert.
Each
female condom can be used just once and is relatively expensive.
What
if the female condom tears or doesn't stay in place during sex?
If a problem occurs during the use of the female condom, a woman
may want to consider using Emergency
Contraceptive Pills (ECPs). They are available
at Health Services (24 hours a day) and should be taken within 120
hours after unprotected intercourse, the sooner the better. Call
Health Services at 401.863-3953 to find out if you should take ECPs.
Links
you can use
To learn more about the female condom, you can visit:
Disclaimer: Health Education is part of Health Services at Brown University. Health Education maintains this site as a resource for Brown students. This site is not intended to replace consultation with your medical providers. No site can replace real conversation. Health Education offers no endorsement of and assumes no liability for the currency, accuracy, or availability of the information on the sites we link to or the care provided by the resources listed. Health Services staff are available to treat and give medical advice to Brown University students only. If you are not a Brown student, but are in need of medical assistance please call your own health care provider or in case of an emergency, dial 911. Please contact us if you have comments, questions or suggestions.
