Are you ready to take control of your sexual health? 

Say hello to the female condom, an empowering birth control option many have never used. Female condoms aren't discussed often enough as an alternative contraceptive method and a great way to stay safe during partnered sex. 

Learn the ins and outs of this underappreciated contraceptive device, including how to use a female condom, its pros and cons, and a few fascinating statistics. It might just become your new go-to for responsible encounters.

What’s a female condom?

The female condom, also known as an internal condom, is a barrier contraceptive. Unlike the male condom worn on the penis, the female condom is used inside the vagina or anus. It prevents pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the way condoms designed for penises do. 

Female condoms are often made from nitrile, a synthetic latex. The female condom has flexible rings at each end for insertion and to keep the condom in place during sexual activity, making it both versatile and effective.

Facts about female condoms 

When it comes to your sexual health, female condoms are a powerful tool in your arsenal. They're excellent protection against pregnancies and STIs and are both portable and simple to use. Plus, they put contraception in your control (rather than relying on a penis-having partner to use their condom correctly).

Here are a few facts about female condom effectiveness and more to help you make informed decisions:

• They're 95% effective: When used correctly every time, female condoms are 95% effective as birth control. This means that approximately five people out of every 100 who exclusively use this form of contraception and use it properly will become pregnant in a year.

• They protect against STIs: These include chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, and more. 

• They stay put: Contrary to popular opinion, internal condoms don't get lost inside the body. While they can be pushed too far back, if this happens, you only need to replace the female condom with a fresh one. 

• They're single-use only: Internal condoms can only be used once. Reusing a female condom may decrease effectiveness, putting you at risk for infections and pregnancy.

• They expire: The different types of female condoms have expiration dates printed on the packaging. Avoid using expired condoms as they may be more likely to break. 

• They require insertion before contact: Always insert a female condom before contact with another person's genitals. This barrier helps prevent the transmission of STIs — some of which can occur even with genital skin-to-skin contact — and reduces the likelihood of unwanted pregnancy. 

How to put a female condom in

Using a female condom may seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. The truth is it’s a relatively straightforward process that only requires a little practice to get the hang of. 

Remember: It’s an excellent option for people who prefer not to rely on others for sexual protection. And if you’re avoiding pregnancy and don't want to or can't use hormonal birth control, they're an often-overlooked option that you may want to add to your rotation. 

Here's how to insert a female condom correctly: 

• Carefully open the package: Use your fingers to gently tear the package of the female condom at the designated spot. Be cautious to avoid tearing the condom itself.

• Insert the female condom into the vagina: Lay in a comfortable position and hold the female condom by the ring at the closed end. Squeeze the ring between your thumb and middle finger and insert it into the vagina toward the cervix, pushing the inner ring as far in as it will comfortably go, similar to inserting a tampon.

• Cover the vulva: Adjust the outer ring of the condom to cover and protect the vulva, and ensure the condom isn't twisted. This coverage provides additional protection against skin-to-skin STI transmission.

• Guide your partner inside you: Guide your partner's penis into the condom's opening. This is important to avoid their penis slipping between the condom and the vaginal wall, which is direct contact that's potentially unsafe.

• Remove the condom carefully: After sexual intercourse and potential ejaculation, twist the large ring of the female condom to prevent any semen from leaking and carefully pull the condom out. Do this slowly to avoid spilling fluids. 

• Discard the female condom properly: Throw the female condom away in the trash. Don't flush the condom down the toilet, which can cause clogs — and don't reuse it. 

Advantages and disadvantages of female condoms 

Are you considering grabbing a package of female condoms? Before you take the plunge, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of this barrier method. 

Review these key points before deciding whether female condoms are suitable for you and your partner(s):

Advantages

• Protection from STIs: A considerable advantage of female condoms is protection against STIs during vaginal or anal sex. This is crucial for prioritizing your sexual health, especially if you have multiple sexual partners. 

• Protection from pregnancy: Female condoms are highly effective birth control when used correctly. They're a reliable contraceptive for people who don’t use hormonal options like the birth control pill or an IUD.

• No side effects: Unlike hormonal birth control methods, female condoms don't affect your body's hormone levels. This prevents potential side effects, including mood swings, headaches, and reduced libido, all associated with hormonal contraception.

Disadvantages

• Interruption: Some people find stopping to insert a female condom distracting. While interrupting the progression of sex can make it feel less spontaneous or natural, it's possible to incorporate condoms into foreplay, and with some practice, you'll barely even notice the pause. Alternatively, you can insert it up to eight hours before sexual activity. 

• Potential for tearing: All condoms can tear if you don't handle them with care. Minimize this risk by placing the female condom correctly and using water-based lube to reduce friction.

• Limited availability: Internal condoms can be a bit difficult to find. They're not as widely available as other condoms via healthcare providers, drugstores, pharmacies, and online. And in some countries, they're not available at all.

What makes female condoms less effective?

Internal condoms are highly effective, but you must use them properly. Proper use maximizes protection against unwanted pregnancies and STIs — and while there's undoubtedly a learning curve for new barrier methods, the end results are worth it. 

To practice proper use, it’s vital to understand what could go awry. Here are a few factors that may reduce the effectiveness of female condoms:

• The penis touches the vagina too soon: Allowing the penis to touch the vagina before inserting the condom heightens your risk of STIs and pregnancy. Avoid all contact, as pre-ejaculate fluid can cause pregnancy and transmit infections. 

• The internal condom is pushed back: In some cases, the condom gets pushed too far back into the vagina during sexual intercourse. This can shift the condom and expose the opening of the vagina, leading to unwanted contact with genital skin and bodily fluids. 

• The penis enters between the female condom and the vagina: Direct contact can occur if the condom is dislodged or placed incorrectly and the penis enters the vagina between the vaginal wall and the female condom. Always double-check the condom's positioning to avoid this occurrence. 

• The condom tears: Excessive friction, oil-based lubes, and improper handling can tear female condoms. Always handle female condoms gently to prevent damage, and never reuse a condom — even for back-to-back sessions.

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