Female Condom : What Is It?

The female condom is a thin sheath that is inserted into the vagina for the purpose of safe sexual intercourse. It lines the entire vagina and will prevent pregnancy and most Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s). There are two types of female condomes: FC and FC2

• FC – It is a polyurethane sheath that is about 17cm long. There is a ring on both ends and one side is closed. It is this side that is inserted into the vagina. The ring is flexible enough to be inserted, yet sturdy enough to secure the condom in place. On the other side, the ring is placed outside the vagina opening. This will inhibit bunching of the condom during intercourse. The condom contains a silicone-based lubricant on the inside but does not contain a spermicide.
• FC2 – This version of the condom is exactly the same in design, but it is made out of a cheaper product called nitrile. This has been recently approved in December 2008

What Are The Benefits Of Using The Female Condom?

• You can still protect yourself if your boyfriend doesn’t want to use a condom
• The female condom can be inserted for up to 8 hours after intercourse
• The material used in both versions of the female condom are less allergic-causing than the latex condoms for men.
• No special storage requirements for female condoms are necessary so no need to worry about temperature or dampness

What Are The Disadvantages Of Using The Female Condom?

• It’s noisy during intercourse but if you add more lubricant it will lessen the noise.
• It is expensive and is difficult to find in most supermarkets or convenient stores
• There is a higher failure rate in preventing pregnancy
• The outer ring is visible which could hinder sexual enjoyment if women are self-conscious.

Before there were choices on birth control, there was the standard contraceptive pill released in 1960. This was the go-to method of birth control but lately woman’s lives have changed and the pill is now becoming an inconvenience. Many say they forget to take the pill or find that they get cramping and prefer something more suited to their lifestyle.

The NuvaRing is a new method of birth control that, when it is used correctly, is as effective as the brith control pill. The NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina and left there for three weeks. After three weeks it is removed so that you have a period. The NuvaRing is convenient as it does not need to be taken everyday, just inserted once a month.

The NuvaRing does not hurt once it is in place. It will mold to your body and your vaginal muscles will keep it in place. If you find that the NuvaRing is uncomfortable, simply move it further along the vagina with your finger. Common questions regarding the use of NuvaRing can be found here.