Female Condom

is a female condom?

It is equivalent to a male condom, but it is worn by females.

There are two types of female condoms available in the market. They are: FC and FC2. Another type of
condom called the VA condom is still not available in the US. Both the FC and FC2 condoms look similar,
but is made of different material. Female condoms are available all over the world including India and
China.

FC condom

It is made of polyurethane. It was approved in 1993 by the FDA. It needs external lubrication.

FC2 condom

It is made of nitrile, which is a synthetic form of latex. (Male condom is made of latex). It was approved by
FDA in 2009. It is pre lubricated with silicone.

VA condom

It is still not approved for use in the US. It is at the final stages of clinical trial. It is now a part of the HIV
campaign in Africa

How to use a female condom?

A video would explain it much better than describing it.

Watch the video demonstration below:

Female Condom How to Use Animated Video

Is it effective?

The accidental rate of pregnancy is 5-21%. With perfection in the method of use the pregnancy rate drops to
2-15%. So, it is an effective method of birth control.

Are there any benefits when compared to a male condom?

1. It is made of polyurethane or nitrile which allows for storage in room temperature.

2. It is less likely to cause allergy as compared to latex in male condom.

3. It can be worn many hours prior to sexual activity.

4. Women can have control against sexually transmitted disease if men do want wear a condom.

5. Both oil and water based lubricants can be used. Unlike male condom where oil based lubricant cannot be
used.

6. It is much thinner and allows for transfer of heat and more pleasure.

What are the advantages of a female condom?

1. It prevents sexually transmitted infections like HIV, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia.

2. Can avoid unwanted pregnancy.
3. Available over the counter.
4. No side effects from estrogen or progesterone like the pills.
5. It is reversible and does not affect fertility

What are the disadvantages?

1. High cost (US: 2.50$; Canada: 3.50$; India: 5 Rupees ).

2. Many women are not comfortable with usage as it needs some training to insert it the correct way.
3. The FC condom due to the polyurethane, women feel it is noisy-like the crushing of a plastic. FC2 was developed to
improve on this.
4. The outer ring will be outside the female part which may be uncomfortable to either partner.
5. The myth that condoms are meant for men prevents many women from using it.

It looks like it covers the entire female parts. Can I still feel the pleasure?

The advantage is unlike the male condom it can be inserted up to 8 hours prior to sexual activity. So you
dont have to stop and worry about wearing it.

The female condom is made of nitrile, which is much thinner than the male condom and better conducts, the
heat. So absolutely you can still feel the pleasure.

Can it be used for anal sex?

It is not recommended for anal use.

Can it be reused?

The WHO does not recommend to re use it. However in many developing countries they re use it due to
high cost. Only the FC condom can be re used. The WHO website has instructions for re use. FC2 is not
recommended for re use.