Female condoms are made of polyurethane and are placed on the inner wall of the vagina to collect male semen during sexual intercourse to prevent semen from flowing into the uterus and achieve contraceptive effects. Female condoms can reduce the chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (including AIDS).
The end of the female condom has an inner ring, which is inserted into the body and placed on the pubic bone when used. The outer ring should always be placed outside the vagina during sex.
Q: How effective is the female condom in preventing pregnancy?
A: According to research data, the chance of accidental pregnancy for women after using this contraceptive method in the first year is 5-21%.
Q: How to use female condoms?
1. First choose the most comfortable position: you can lie down, sit with your legs apart, or stand on one foot and put the other foot on a chair. Then tear open the package along the cut and take out the condom. (Check the condom before use: the built-in elastic inner ring should be at the closed end of the condom.)
2. Use your thumb, index finger and middle finger to squeeze the lower half of the inner ring. This way you can grasp and narrow the inner ring and put it into the body smoothly.
3. At this time, use your other hand to separate the folded labia majora at the vaginal opening and push the squeezed inner ring into the vagina as much as possible.
4. Then put your finger into the condom until you touch the inner ring, and continue to push the inner ring inward.
5. When the inner ring passes over the pubic bone, the condom is properly placed. Women can put their fingers into the vagina and feel the position of the pubic bone, which is a few inches inside the vagina. The outer ring and a small part of the condom will still be exposed outside the vagina. This is normal and there is no need to worry.
Q: How to dispose of used female condoms?
A: Female condoms are attached to the vaginal wall when used, so after orgasm, there is no need to immediately withdraw the penis. As long as you are sure that there is no semen leakage, you can slowly withdraw the condom.
When withdrawing the condom, twist the outer ring while slowly pulling it out to prevent semen leakage. Used condoms can be put back into the packaging bag and then thrown into the trash can, but never flush it into the toilet bowl. Use a brand new condom every time you have sexual intercourse.
Things to remember
1. A drop of semen contains millions of sperm. If semen accidentally enters the vagina, you must see a doctor or go to the Family Planning Association as soon as possible to seek emergency (after-the-fact) contraception and counseling.
2. Since the use of female condoms does not require the partner's penis to be erect before putting it on, you can freely decide when to put it on during sex, but of course it must be done before the sexual organs of both parties have come into contact.
3. Do not use sharp nails to pull the condom out of the package to avoid damaging the condom.
4. It is normal for the female condom to move slightly during sexual intercourse. As long as the penis is still covered, semen will only remain in the condom.
5. If during sexual intercourse, the outer ring is found to be pushed into the vagina, or the penis is about to slip out of the condom and push into the vagina, sexual intercourse should be stopped immediately.
Q: How do you know that the female condom is worn securely?
A: The most obvious way is to make sure that the inner ring has been pushed over the pubic bone. Women can put their fingers into the condom and bend forward slightly to feel the position of the pubic bone, which is a few inches inside the vagina.
Q: The condom seems to be thick and rough. Will it reduce the pleasure of sex?
A: When the condom is put into the body, it will be warm and moist, and it will not hinder the enjoyment of sex.
Q: What should I do if the penis is inserted outside the outer ring and between the condom and the vagina?
A: Pull out the penis first, and then guide the penis into the vagina after making sure that the outer ring is flat on the labia.
Q: Does the condom easily break?
A: Condoms are made of polyurethane and have a tough texture. Their toughness is twice as high as the rubber material of male condoms, but they should be avoided from contact with sharp nails or jewelry to prevent cutting. Once a break is found, it should be discarded immediately and replaced with a new condom before continuing sex.
Q: How many sizes of condoms are there?
A: Female condoms only have one size, but they can fit tightly and protect the vagina, and the penis can be easily inserted or withdrawn.
Q: Will the condom fold or twist in the vagina?
A: As long as the position is correct and there is enough lubricant in the condom, the condom will not fold or twist.
Q: When can't female condoms be used?
A: No. Even during menstruation, you can still use female condoms.
Q: When can women who take birth control pills start using female condoms?
A: Generally speaking, doctors recommend that you stop taking or switch to other contraceptive methods after taking a full row of birth control pills. So women can try to get familiar with using female condoms before they finish taking birth control pills.
