Contraceptive barrier
The female condom - known as Femidom ® - is on the list of barrier contraceptives (non-hormonal). By preventing the contact between spermatozoon and egg cell, the female condom protects against unwanted and unexpected pregnancies. Furthermore, used correctly, this contraceptive tool protects both lovers from the transmission of venereal diseases.
To understand...
How is the female condom made?
The female condom is composed of two flexible rings placed at the ends of a soft synthetic nitrile, polyurethane or latex sheath, as long as a male condom.
- The inner ring (hermetically closed) should be pushed deeply into the vagina: this will naturally position itself behind the pubic bone
- The outer ring - at the opposite end - remains open outside the vagina, partially covering the genitals. In this way, man can introduce an erect penis into the vagina from this opening.
The correct application of the female condom was illustrated in the previous article.
Indications
Ideally, the female condom is indicated for all sexually active women. In case of latex allergy, it is recommended not to use the models formulated with the aforementioned natural rubber, and prefer instead the nitrile or polyurethane variants.
The female condom is also indicated for occasional relationships, since - if used correctly - it offers good protection from sexually transmitted diseases.
Even women who have given birth vaginally can use this barrier method. However, some women need larger female condoms (> 17cm in length).
Furthermore, the female condom is indicated for women allergic to spermicides or who cannot take hormonal contraceptives.
Lubrication
It is possible to lubricate the genitals with specific water and oil based substances.
Female latex condoms must NOT be combined with oil-based lubricants: such behavior can damage the contraceptive, increasing the risk of method failure.
In contrast, female nitrile or polyurethane condoms tolerate both aqueous and oily lubricants.
Advantages
In addition to offering a valid protection from unwanted pregnancies and venereal diseases (79-95%), the female condom offers multiple, numerous, advantages:
- Unlike the male condom, the female condom can be inserted into the vagina a few hours before intercourse. This feature gives greater spontaneity to the relationship
- There are different sizes of the female condom; therefore, the woman can choose the variant best suited to the anatomy of her genitals
- Unlike hormonal contraceptives, the female condom does not require a doctor's prescription
- Lubrication can be increased during intercourse by applying oil or water based lubricants. The only precaution is not to use oily substances if you choose female latex condoms
- Compared to the male condom, the female variant ensures greater sensitivity to humans during intercourse
- Relatively low cost (slightly higher than the male condom)
- Easy to store: female condoms, especially nitrile or polyurethane, are quite resistant to heat and humidity; therefore, they do not tend to deteriorate with high temperatures
- Hypoallergenic (except for female latex condoms: in this case, latex-allergic women should prefer other models)
- It does not have the side effects typical of hormonal contraceptives
- Particularly suitable for occasional sexual intercourse
- For some couples, the use of the female condom increases sexual pleasure thanks to the presence of the inner ring, which stimulates the genitals of both partners
- The female condom can be used during pregnancy and after childbirth
- The female condom can be used by women during the menstrual cycle
The most recent female condoms are composed of synthetic nitrile, a material more accepted by the couple because, during intercourse, the typical rustling derived from the friction between skin and sheath is less perceptible. Nitrile female condoms are cheaper than polyurethane condoms.
Risks and disadvantages
The correct application, as well as the regular use of the female condom in all relationships, minimizes the risk of failure of the contraceptive method.
However, like all contraceptive tools, the female condom also has some limitations or disadvantages:
- During intercourse, the friction triggered by the contact between condom and skin creates a "buzz" or a "rustling" not always appreciated by the couple
- The lubricant with which the female condom is coated is sticky and can stick to the skin of the fingers during insertion
- For correct application, the female condom may require some exercises by the woman
- Do not use the female latex condom in case of allergy to natural rubber
- The female latex condom cannot be used in conjunction with oil-based lubricants
- It cannot be reused
- Sometimes, viewing the condom on the external female genitals can reduce libido (by humans)
- The friction of the female condom on the vaginal walls can reduce the natural female lubrication
- Direct contact between penis and vagina is denied
- If placed incorrectly, the female condom can be annoying to the woman
- If the penis is not inserted correctly inside the female condom (for example, it is introduced laterally, between the vaginal wall and the sheath, and not inside it) the contraceptive efficacy of the method is null
Inserting
The female condom, unlike the male condom, can be inserted into the vagina up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse. This peculiarity is perceived as an absolutely positive aspect of the contraceptive method, since it allows a greater spontaneity of the relationship.
However, the woman may decide to apply the female condom up to an instant before the relationship begins.
Post-ejaculation removal
A further difference with the male condom is that the female variant can be removed from the vagina even a few hours after the end of the relationship. However, to prevent sperm from spilling, it is recommended to remove the female condom before the woman stands up.
Female condom and contraceptive diaphragm
Often, the female condom and the contraceptive diaphragm are mistaken for synonyms. In reality, the two contraceptive methods are completely different: the only affinity is that both are considered barrier contraceptives.
The diaphragm is a small soft dome of rubber, mounted on a flexible and malleable ring, which the woman introduces near the cervix (transvaginal way) a few moments before sexual intercourse. The diaphragm, therefore, does not unwind like a female condom and does not escape from the external genitals. Furthermore, the diaphragm has little protection from unwanted pregnancies (risk of failure of the method: approx. 20%); therefore, to increase its contraceptive efficacy, it is necessary to use the aid of spermicides (chemical contraceptives). Still, the diaphragm does not effectively protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Breaking of the female condom
We recall once again that, with the exception of total abstinence, no barrier, hormonal or implantable contraceptive ensures complete coverage of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
However, the female condom is considered not only a valid contraceptive method to avoid unexpected pregnancies, but also an effective barrier against venereal diseases.
In a small percentage of users, the female condom fails in case of breakage, puncture (inserted with the tip of the finger) or incorrect positioning. In such circumstances, after complete sexual intercourse, it is conceivable that the spermatozoa fertilized the egg cell. The woman can then prevent a possible pregnancy in more ways:
- Taking the morning-after pill (not to be confused with the abortion pill) no later than 72 hours after the report at risk
- Insertion of the IUD spiral into copper, an implantable contraceptive method in the uterus that ensures excellent contraceptive action if applied within 5 days of the relationship at risk
In case of breakage of the female condom, a transmission of venereal diseases is also conceivable. In such situations, it is strongly recommended to seek medical attention for further investigation.
