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Definition
The female condom is a contraceptive device that provides a barrier between female and male genitals during sex. The female condom is a soft, loosefitting pouch with a ring on each end. Before sex, one ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place. The ring at the open end of the condom remains outside the vagina.
Only two female condoms — the FC1 female condom (FC1) and the FC2 female condom (FC2) — have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the U.S. The FC1 is made of plastic (polyurethane), while the FC2 is made of synthetic latex. Both come pre-lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant.
The female condom can prevent pregnancy and protect you and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some women find the female condom difficult to insert, however, and availability may be limited.
Why it's done
The female condom helps prevent pregnancy. Among various benefits, the female condom:
- Offers protection from sexually transmitted infections — perhaps even better protection than the male condom because the female condom partly covers the labia
- Is available without a prescription or special fitting
- Can be inserted hours before sex
- Can be used as a backup method of birth control
- Rarely causes allergic reactions and doesn't pose a risk of other side effects
- Doesn't require a partner's cooperation or an erect penis
Unlike latex — the material used to make most male condoms — female condoms made of polyurethane aren't affected by dampness or changes in temperature. In addition, some women find that the female condom's external ring stimulates the clitoris.
The female condom isn't appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider may discourage use of the female condom if:
- You have an allergy to polyurethane or synthetic latex
- You have vaginal abnormalities that interfere with the fit, placement or retention of the female condom
- You're at high risk of pregnancy — you're younger than age 30, you have sex three or more times a week, you've had previous contraceptive failure with vaginal barrier methods or you're not likely to consistently use the female condom
Risks
It's possible to contract sexually transmitted infections or become pregnant when using a female condom, especially if:
- The female condom breaks
- The female condom slips out of the vagina
- The penis slips between the vagina and the outside of the female condom
- The outer ring of the female condom gets pushed into the vagina during sex
The female condom may also cause discomfort, including burning, itching or a rash.
An estimated 21 out of 100 women who use the female condom for one year will get pregnant — usually because they don't use condoms every time they have sex.
How you prepare
Before using a female condom, read the instructions carefully. If the condom is past its expiration date or you notice any signs of damage — such as brittleness or small tears or holes — discard the condom and choose another.
Don't use a female condom at the same time as a male condom or for anal sex. Never reuse a female condom.
Use a backup method of contraception, such as oral contraceptives, when you first use the female condom to make sure it stays in place during sex.
What you can expect
To use the female condom:
- Open the package carefully. Don't use your teeth or fingernails.
- Consider using spermicide or additional lubrication. For the most effective pregnancy protection, apply spermicide to the outside of the closed end of the condom before you place it in your vagina. Consider applying additional water-based or oil-based lubricant to the condom to minimize noise during sex.
- Insert the female condom. Squeeze the ring at the closed end of the pouch with your middle finger and thumb and insert it into your vagina like a tampon. Place your index finger inside the condom and push the ring up as far as it will go. Don't allow the condom to twist. Make sure the outer ring remains outside the vagina, extending about one inch (2.5 centimeters) beyond the labia. You can place the female condom inside your vagina up to eight hours before sex.
- Guide the penis into the female condom. Make sure the penis doesn't slip between the vagina and the outer surface of the female condom. During sex, make sure the outer ring of the female condom doesn't get pushed into the vagina.
- After sex, remove the female condom carefully. Twist the outer ring so that the semen is contained in the condom and gently pull the device out of your vagina. Dispose of the female condom in the trash — not the toilet.
Last Updated: 2010-01-23
