Female Condom

The female condom makes it possible, on the one hand, to protect against STIs, and on the other hand, it constitutes contraception.

The condom is a very good method of contraception. But above all, it is the only way to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, genital herpes or even AIDS. It is therefore very important to always use a condom when having sex with a partner for the first time.

How to use an internal female condom?

1. Remove the condom from its packaging, and unroll the condom. Squeeze the inner ring of the condom (the smaller of the 2 rings)

2. The thick, inner ring with closed end is used for placing in the vagina and holds condom in place. The thin, outer ring remains outside of body, covering vaginal opening.

3. Push the ring as far as possible into your vagina. It is like inserting a menstrual cup or tampon. Use your finger to make sure the condom is fully seated in your vagina.

4. Remove your finger. The outer ring should be on the outside of the vagina and should cover the external genitalia, such as the clitoris and labia majora.

How to remove female condom?

1. Twist it out

2. It’s a single use and throw it into bin.

If the reliability is identical between the male and female condom, the latter has many advantages:

• Prevents pregnancy and protects against most sexually transmitted infections and HIV. It is the only woman-controlled contraceptive method that offers this option.
• Doesn’t interfere with the hormonal system or cycle length.
• Can be used during breastfeeding.
• Adapts well to the anatomy of the vagina: it is stronger.
• Thinner than the male condom, it offers greater sensitivity during sex.
• It does not contain latex and therefore avoids allergies. It offers an alternative solution for those allergic to latex.

Couples are sometimes put off by the appearance of the female condom because of:

• Some difficulties may be related to its insertion into the vagina. It may be necessary to use it several times before you feel comfortable with this method.
• It is necessary to hold it at the time of penetration.
• The outer ring can be embarrassing for some women or awkward for some foreplay.
• Maybe noisy. It may depend on the movement of the penis in the vagina or the position taken.
• Its relatively high cost can be an obstacle to its use.

What if the condom cracks or broke?

Have you had a condom accident and your partner is not taking the pill? You have to go to the pharmacy to take a morning-after pill: it is an emergency contraception to be taken up to 72 hours (or even 120 hours for the two-day pill) after the report in question.

Either way, you and your partner are still at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, so you will need to be tested for STIs. Go to your doctor for a prescription or to a Free Information, Screening and Diagnosis Center. Remember that only the use of a condom during each vaginal, oral or anal penetration is effective against the transmission of HIV and STIs.

Read also: STD – STI | List of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections

Who cannot use a condom?

Latex allergy: what are the symptoms? A man with allergies may experience skin irritation (redness, hives, itching, etc.) on contact with the latex or eye irritation (tearing, discomfort, itching, etc.). The diagnosis can be confirmed by skin tests with the doctor or allergist.
All men who have sex with one or more partners (male or female) can use condoms.

This protects both partners from STIs and the risk of pregnancy. However, if you have a stable and regular relationship with the same partner, you may want to consider alternative contraception. But before you stop using the condom, get tested to make sure none of you get an STI. If the results are negative, you can stop using the condom as long as you have other contraception to protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy. If one or both of them have a positive result, consult a doctor who will be able to advise you on the appropriate treatments. Until complete recovery, continue to use condoms during intercourse.

Men or woman who are allergic to latex cannot use latex condoms, but they can turn to polyurethane condoms (a very strong organic molecule) which are not allergy-causing.

Where to buy it?

The female condom can be obtained without a prescription from pharmacies, supermarkets or some gas stations. Sometimes it is also possible to obtain it free of charge from testing centers and associations fighting against HIV. How much does a condom cost? It depends on the brands and models.

http://cleverlysmart.com/male-condom-contraception-advantages-and-disadvantages-how-to-use-it-accidents/

Sources: PinterPandai, NHS UK, Planned Parenthood, Avert

Photo credit (main photo): Author: Ceridwen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)