Female condom

Overview:

A female condom or an internal condom is used for birth control. Just like in male condoms, the device doesn't allow the sperm to reach the eggs for fertilization. The condom is like a pouch made from thin, soft plastic or synthetic rubber called nitrile. Some condoms are also made of latex. These latex condoms cannot be used if a person has a latex allergy or is using antifungal medicine on the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, or testicles.

As per data from The National Health Service (NHS-UK), Internal condoms are up to 95% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly every time a person has sex.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 21 percent of women using a female condom can still get pregnant in the first year of use. However, research shows that most pregnancies that occur using female condoms are because of women not using the devices correctly. If they are careful their chances of getting pregnant will be lesser.

The female condom can be used together with another method of birth control to decrease the pregnancy chances, but care should be taken that the partner shouldn't use male condoms simultaneously, or both condoms will stick together and tear.

How To Use Female Condoms Correctly:

• The unopened condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place as they don't work very effectively if they are exposed to too much heat, like the dashboard of a car.

• The person should be in a comfortable position and insert the condom. This could be lying down, sitting on the edge of a chair, or standing.

• The condoms are for one-time use only. They should be discarded after sex and should not be reused.

• They should be thrown into the dustbin and not flushed into the toilets as they can clog the drainage.

• The condoms are lubricated, but if a person needs to add more lubrication, they can. Care should be taken that the lubricant should not be oil-based. If Vaseline is used, it can break down the latex condoms.

• A female condom has the chance of moving during sex which is fine as long as it doesn't slip out of its place or the partner's penis doesn't slip out of the condom.

• It is important to check the expiry date before using the condom, as an expired condom is likely to tear off easily. It is a good practice to check the device for any defects before using them. Sometimes, the condom can tear while opening the package or if the person is using nails, teeth, or jewellery while putting it on; hence, care should be taken.

• Care should be taken not to twist the condom when it is being inserted.

• Tampons should be removed before using the condom.

What To Do If The Female Condom Tears:

• The woman should not wash the area as it can lead to inflammation.

• The woman can take emergency contraception like a morning-after pill after consultation with the doctor.

• Getting tested for STIs is important if a condom tears.

• The person should inquire about postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV if they feel they have been exposed to HIV. You think you've been exposed to HIV and ask the doctor for further instructions to avoid the infection.

How To Insert A Female Condom:

• Get hold of the inner ring of the condom, hold it between the thumb and the middle finger, and squeeze it to insert it as deep as possible into the vagina. The condom should be inserted beyond the pubic bone.

• The outer ring of the condom should be left outside the vagina, and care should be taken not to twist the condom.

• The penis should be lubricated with a few drops of the water-based lubricant provided during sex.

• It should be ensured that the penis goes inside the condom.

• After the intercourse, the person can stand up and squeeze and twist the outer ring to prevent semen from spilling. 

• The condom can be pulled out and should be discarded after use.

The benefits of Using A Female Condom:

There are multiple advantages to using female condoms. They include:

• Female condoms help avoid unwanted pregnancy and protect a woman from various other infections like STIs when used correctly for anal sex. However, there isn't much evidence on how much protection they provide.

• Female condoms are available easily without a prescription at medical stores, pharmacies, and family planning clinics.

• They are not very expensive, although they are costlier than male condoms.

• The condoms can be inserted around 8 hours prior to intercourse.

• They can be used during the periods, pregnancy, and after childbirth.

• The condoms allow a woman to stay in charge without relying on the male condoms. 

What Are The Risks Involved In Using The Female Condoms:

Although there are various benefits of using female condoms, there are certain disadvantages that can make intercourse an unpleasant process and lead to pregnancy. These include:

• The condoms can cause friction, and this can decrease clitoral stimulation and lubrication. This can cause discomfort and make sex less enjoyable.

• The condom can cause irritation and allergies.

• The condom may make sex a little noisier. However, using a lubricant can reduce the sound.

• If the female condom comes in touch with the male condom, it can stick together and tear.

• If the condom is damaged due to any reason, if it slips out of place, the chances of a pregnancy can increase.

• The partners miss out on the skin-to-skin contact of their private parts.

• The outer ring can be pushed inside the vagina during intercourse causing discomfort.

• The condoms are costlier than male condoms.

Conclusion:

Unwanted pregnancy can be a problem, and so is the risk of infections. A woman mostly has had to rely on the male condom till recently to protect against the above-mentioned problems. However, female condoms change all that. A woman can now be in charge of her decision to get pregnant and protect herself from unwanted infections. A female condom, though a little uncomfortable, is a safe and effective method, and it is easily available without being too expensive.

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