THE FEMALE CONDOM
A twist on a classic.
ONE SIZE FITS ALL
The female condom works in much the same way as the male condom – the main difference is who’s wearing it. While a male condom is rolled over the erect penis, the female condom is slipped inside the vagina where it creates a thin, yet lubricated, polyurethane barrier that stops sperm from reaching the cervix. It requires no hormones or additional contraceptive methods to work.
Like all condoms, you need to use a new one each time you have sex. The female condom has a ring at the closed end, which keeps it in place inside the vagina. To put the condom in, simply squeeze that flexible ring and insert the condom as you would insert a tampon. Push it in as far as you can – the closed end should cover the cervix and the open end should hang a couple of centimetres outside your vagina. After you've had sex, carefully grab the open end, twist to close it, and carefully remove the condom without spilling anything. Then simply throw it away and make sure you have a new condom for the next time.
As this is a non-hormonal method, there should be no effect on your fertility
The female condom protects against sexually transmitted infections.
HOW IT MEASURES UP
Typical use means how well the method works in real life and perfect use means how well a method works under 'perfect' or ideal conditions for example when there is no user error at any time.
HORMONES
No. The female condom is hormone-free.
EASE OF USE
The female condom needs to be inserted in the vagina prior to intercourse and before there is any contact with the penis and must be removed immediately afterwards. A new one must be used each time you have sex.
YOUR PERIOD
The female condom has no impact on menstruation.
NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.
