female condom; Types, advantages, disadvantages, and method of use

The female condom is an excellent protective barrier to prevent unwanted pregnancy and protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases. This device, with a function similar to a male condom, precludes the entry of sperm and any fluid and secretion into the uterus so that sex is healthy and safe. If you are eager to know what a female condom is and what it is used for, stay with us until the end of this article.

What is a female condom?

The female condom is one of the newest contraceptives with the same features as the male condom. A delicate and thin tube made of polyurethane or nitrile rubber (laboratory latex) is placed inside the vagina. It protects the person from the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Another name for this condom is “Femidum” or “internal condom”. Sperm does not have the power to cross this physical barrier, so it does not reach the egg, does not fertilize it, and pregnancy does not occur. This prevention tool can also be used in anal sex.

What does a female condom look like?

The female condom is similar to the male condom; A long, thin plastic tube that looks wider than a male condom. One end of this tube is open, and the other end that is placed inside the vagina is closed. This condom has two rings at both ends of the tube: the thicker ring inside the vagina and the thinner ring outside the vagina remain fixed to prevent the transfer of liquid and secretion between the man and the woman.

How many types of female condoms are there?

Currently, this product has little variety, and its different types have similar appearance characteristics. Still, based on the raw materials used to make them, female condoms can be divided into two categories: latex and non-latex.

1. Latex condom

The latex type is one of the most popular condoms in the market, which can be found in abundance in all pharmacies. The material of this condom is natural latex and has good resistance against tearing and piercing. These condoms prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

2. Polyurethane condom (without latex)

This type of condom is a little more delicate and sensitive than the latex condom. Because it has a lot of flexibility, it multiplies the pleasure of intercourse, especially for women. These condoms are produced with natural latex from the rubber tree. They are very suitable for those people who have an allergic reaction to latex.

The difference between male and female condoms

The most important differences between male and female condoms are:

• The first and most crucial difference between female and male condoms is that the female condom is placed inside the vagina and has internal use. Still, the male condom is placed on the penis and has external use.
• Female condoms are produced in only one size and are slightly wider than male condoms. In contrast, male condoms are made in various sizes.
• The male condom has one ring on one side, and the female condom has two rings on both sides. The ring of the male condom is placed on the penis, but one of the rings of the female condom is placed inside the vagina and the other outside the vagina.
• According to statistics, the probability of unwanted pregnancy with a female condom is 21%, and with a male condom is 15%.
• There is a possibility that the female condom will compress and collect inside the vagina, and in this situation, the effectiveness of the condom in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases will be lost.
• The female condom eliminates the problems related to the sensitivity of the male genital organs and less stimulation. Also, the outer ring of these condoms, by stimulating the clitoris, causes more sexual pleasure for women.
• A female condom can be inserted into the vagina 8 hours before intercourse. Still, a male condom can be used just before intercourse and only when erect.

Is a female or male condom better?

The performance of the female condom in preventing pregnancy is almost as good as the male condom. Even to eliminate the risks of oral and anal sex and prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases through skin contact, it has an acceptable performance. Of course, as long as you use it properly. According to statistics, out of every 100 people who use female condoms correctly, only 5 people get pregnant. This number reaches 21 unwanted pregnancies for couples who do not know how to use this prevention tool correctly, so knowing how to use condoms correctly is very important.

One of the most essential advantages of the female condom is to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS or HIV. These condoms avoid the transfer of any liquid and secretion and ultimately prevent the body from coming into contact with liquids or infected tissues. Although condom use is not as effective as other methods of contraception, it can be used along with birth control pills or an IUD for greater effectiveness.

How to use a female condom?

In order to minimize the possible risks of risky sex, you need to know how to use this prevention tool correctly. To use this tool, consider the following points:

• After buying a female condom from a reputable pharmacy, open the box slowly and carefully so that the thin plastic layer of the condom does not tear or puncture.
• With the help of two fingers, press the thicker ring of the condom into the vagina and press as much as possible to fix it on the cervix.
• Keep the thinner ring fixed on the outside of the vagina, right at the opening of the vagina.
• Check the inside of the condom with your finger to make sure it is not twisted or folded.
• Make sure that the thin ring of the condom is fixed in the opening of the vagina, and start having sex.
• Use the same outer thin ring to remove the female condom from inside the vagina. Hold the ring with two fingers, slowly twist, and pull out the condom.

Pull the outer ring so that the contents of the condom do not spill into the vagina. Carefully remove the condom and throw it in the trash. Also, to avoid the possibility of condom tearing, do not use male and female condoms at the same time.

What are the advantages of the female condom?

If you need some solid reasons to use female condoms, read this section to the end:

• Using a female condom is a wise decision to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. These condoms have a wider outer ring than the male condom and cover more surface area, thus providing more robust protection.
• Using this condom leaves both sides free to decide about pregnancy. Unlike contraceptives, you have to wait a little while to get pregnant.
• The female condom has no effect on male and female hormones and does not change mood.
• Some types of female condoms do not contain latex, and people who are sensitive to latex can easily use them.
• The female condom is more comprehensive, so you don’t have to worry about the size of the penis and whether the condom is suitable or not.
• The use of female condoms for periods is allowed. You can use this product safely during menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
• You can put this type of condom in the vagina 8 hours before sex without worrying about its malfunction. These condoms are not damaged by heat and humidity.
• It is possible to use it along with other contraceptive methods.
• The female type of condom increases the pleasure of intercourse for both parties. If the man does not want to cover his penis or the woman needs clitoris stimulation for orgasm, the female condom is more suitable than the male condom.
• There is no need to remove the female condom immediately after the male ejaculation.

What are the side effects of the female condom?

The disadvantages and complications of female condoms include:

• The effectiveness of the female condom is almost less than other methods of birth control. If misused, 21 people out of every 100 people who use the female condom usually get pregnant. This number reaches 15 unwanted pregnancies for male condoms.
• Female condoms are more challenging to access than male condoms. Many pharmacies only sell male condoms.
• The price of female condoms is several times higher than that of male condoms.
• The size of the female condom box is more significant than the male model, and it is more difficult to move it.
• Putting this condom inside the vagina is complicated and sometimes annoying.
• Although you will no longer have the problem of the condom staying in the vagina, there is a possibility that the female condom will move, shrink or come off during sex.
• Sometimes due to friction with the male penis, it produces an annoying squeaking sound.
• If a woman or man is allergic to latex, nitrile, or laboratory polyurethane, it causes more severe problems.

last word

Despite significant advances in the production of contraceptives, condoms are still the most popular and widely used means of safe sex and birth control. The female condom is a new form of the old condom that is placed inside the woman’s vagina instead of being stretched over the man’s penis. Due to its more comprehensive and moisturizing materials, it makes sex more accessible and more enjoyable for both people.

Do you have experience using female condoms? Do you prefer male or female condoms for birth control? We look forward to hearing your comments.