Female condom

What's this ?

The female condom (Femidom ®) is a mechanical contraceptive (or barrier) method which, when worn by the woman, allows the collection of semen inside a waterproof sheath inserted into the vagina and connected to two flexible rings placed at its ends. In this way, the female condom offers a double protection:

Protects from unwanted pregnancies because direct contact between spermatozoa and egg cell is denied;
Limit the transmission of venereal diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, candidiasis, AIDS, condylomata acuminata, herpetic infections etc.

Curiosity

Having obtained the authorization of the Food And Drugs Administration, the female condom is marketed in Europe since 1993. However, in our country this barrier contraceptive method is quite innovative, because it entered the market only recently.

Composition of the female condom

Erroneously confused with the contraceptive diaphragm, the female condom consists of two flexible rings, connected by a soft membrane, synthetic or natural, about 17 cm long. The length of the female condom is comparable to that of the classic open condom (worn by humans). Unlike the latter, the female condom has a wider base, so as to allow the penis to enter the vagina.

The female condom is therefore composed of:

An INTERNAL RING (tightly closed), which must be pushed deeply (but gently) into the vagina. The presence of the inner ring allows the sheath to be placed in the right position, behind the pubic bone.
An EXTERNAL RING (base), which protrudes from the vagina partially covering the external genitals. This ring, left open, allows the erection of the penis into the vagina.
A WATERPROOF SHEATH connects the two rings. The membrane acts as a collector for the sperm. The first female condoms were composed of polyurethane; subsequently, those in synthetic nitrile and natural latex were also produced.

Mode of use

During the first applications, the woman may experience difficulties in correctly positioning the female condom. For this purpose, before using the condom in a sexual relationship, some attempts are necessary, as long as the insertion becomes immediate and simple.

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Below are summarized by points the general instructions for a correct application of the female condom:

Wash your hands thoroughly
Open the package containing the contraceptive barrier with your hands. Avoid using scissors or blades
Find a comfortable position for female condom insertion. The most suitable posture is purely subjective: standing with bent knees, sitting on the toilet or lying on the ground
Before inserting the condom, hold the sheath by the closed end while tightening the inner ring between thumb and forefinger
With one hand, open the vaginal lips to facilitate insertion
Gently (but deeply) push the condom into the vagina, inserting the index finger into it. At this stage, the woman will hear the (inner) ring "rise" along the vaginal canal. Make sure the sheath is not twisted.
The inner ring will naturally position itself behind the pubic bone
The outer ring must remain outside the external genitalia to allow the man to introduce the penis into an erection
To remove the female condom, press the outer ring and gently pull it outwards. During this maneuver, the woman can facilitate expulsion by pushing with the pelvic muscles, as if to defecate.
Similar to internal sanitary napkins, the female condom must NOT be thrown into the toilet. Rather, the woman can store the used condom in the trash.

Please note

Do not use the female condom together with the male condom
Do not use the same female condom more than once
Do not use the female condom in case of obvious laceration, breakage or after expiration

Pain in the application

If inserted correctly, the application of the female condom is not absolutely painful. During the first applications, the woman may perceive a slight annoyance or a certain difficulty in introducing the condom. The sensation is almost normal, an expression of inexperience in using the method. After a few applications, the insertion of the female condom will be simple and immediate.

Protection from unwanted pregnancies

Given that no contraceptive method - be it mechanical, hormonal, implantable or natural - guarantees total coverage against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, the female condom offers a valid protection, comparable to that offered by the male condom.

Only total sexual abstinence guarantees 100% protection against unwanted pregnancies and venereal diseases.

Nevertheless, some sources point out that the percentage of failure of the female contraceptive is significantly higher than in male condoms. Furthermore, it seems that the chances of failure of the contraceptive practice are heavily influenced by the correct application of the female condom.

Female condom: advantages, disadvantages and risks »