When it comes to having sex it is always important to be cautious. For this we must use contraceptive methods that prevent us from an unwanted pregnancy, but also if we are not sure that the person with whom we have sex is not completely healthy, we must also look for a method that prevents sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea or the worst of all, AIDS.
Among all types of contraceptives we find the female condom, which is intended to resemble a male condom but is not as effective against sexually transmitted diseases as this one.
If you want to know how to use a female condom as well as other useful information, keep reading this article where we will give you all the information you need to use them.
What is a female condom
The female condom is a contraceptive method. This instrument is used in a similar way to a male condom so that a barrier is formed that does not allow sperm to reach the egg, and thus avoid a possible unwanted pregnancy.
The female condom is considered a good birth control device, but it can also protect both partners from possible infections that are transmitted through sexual contact, such as HIV. However, we must point out that in this last function, the male condom is considered to be much more effective than the female condom in preventing the spread of infections and the transmission of diseases.
The female condom is made of polyurethane material, which is a very thin and strong plastic, although there are also condoms made in its most modern version of a compound called nitrile.
This female condom is made up of two rings, one at each end, one of which will fit into the vagina, precisely at the cervix. Thus, this area will be well covered with the rubber material. The other ring will remain on the outside of the vagina, covering the vulva.
How effective is a female condom?
In the event that the female condom is used frequently, it has effectiveness between 75 and 82%. However, when used correctly every time, the female condom can increase effectiveness to 95%.
In any case, you should keep in mind that these condoms, like male condoms, can also fail if it is not used as a preventive method in each of the sexual relations. Or in the event that the condom is used more than once. Other options are: that the condom breaks (either before or during the process of sexual intercourse), that the condom has not been put on correctly before penetration takes place, that the contents of the condom have inadvertently fallen into the vagina while it is being removed, or in the unlikely event that it is a condom with some kind of manufacturing defect.
What else you should know about the female condom
Female condoms aren’t too expensive, so it’s a cheap way to err on the side of caution, but today male condoms are still cheaper.
You should never put on a male and a female condom at the same time, as friction is caused between them that can cause both devices to break.
You can buy female condoms in the same way as the male condom, without the need for a prescription and in pharmacies, clinics, family planning clinics, or even in large supermarkets.
Keep in mind that you can put on a female condom up to 8 hours before intercourse so that it remains effective, so you can always go prepared for a special date or outing. But if you trust this method as a contraceptive, remember that you should always be cautious and take it with you in case there is any possibility of having sex.
You can use the condom at all times, whether you are pregnant, on the days of menstruation or even if you have recently given birth.
How to use a female condom
Remember that in order to use the female condom as a contraceptive; you should always have it on hand whenever you need it so as not to run any risk.
Surely the shape of the female condom will make you see that it is a complicated method, but don’t worry, it will only be complicated the first time(s) you are going to use it, once you learn the correct way to put it on and have practiced, it will really turn out for you easy.
Of course, to put on the condom you will need to remove the condom from its corresponding wrapper, being careful not to tear it or rub it with your long fingernails.
You need to be relaxed when you put on the female condom so that your vagina is too. It is best to get into a position that is comfortable for you to insert the female condom. These positions can be supporting one leg on a chair, or semi-lying down with the legs bent, among others.
We must first identify the inner ring of the condom. We are going to take it with the help of two fingers, the thumb and the middle finger. With these fingers we must squeeze the ring and put it as far into the vagina as possible. For guidance, the ring should stay above where the pubic bone is. The other hand will be needed to help you spread your labia and give yourself more room.
On the other hand, the outer ring of the condom should hang outside the vagina; in this way it is possible to avoid contact between the penis and the vagina.
Once you have finished putting it on you should always make two checks: one that the condom has not turned while you were putting it on, and two, that the inner ring is still straight, as it should be.
While you are using this contraceptive method, the use of artificial lubricants is always highly recommended, since in this way, you will not only feel more pleasure, but you will avoid friction and you can prevent the condom from breaking.
After putting it on and checking it, you will be able to enjoy sexual intercourse.
When you have finished remember that you should always remove it, and you should never use it on more than one occasion. To remove the female condom, you’d better sit up, squeeze well and twist the outer ring, so you can make sure that all the semen doesn’t accidentally spill as the condom comes out of the vagina. Once all the contents are secured and there is no way to escape, you can gently and carefully pull on it. Finally, throw it away (try not to flush it down the toilet, as it could clog the pipes).
Now you know a little more about the female condom and how to use a female condom, so remember to be cautious and don’t wait for the man to be the one to come prepared. You can also act on issues of prevention of both pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, which is the most important thing.
