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Female condoms
The lowdown on female condoms.
Condoms are the ONLY form of contraceptive that protects against sexual infections. Most young people are advised to use the pill and condoms to protect against all possible risks.
What are they?
A female condom is a sheath, made of a soft, fine material, which you insert into the vagina (like a tampon) to create a barrier against sperm.The female condom may protect against cancer of the cervix. Unlike the male condom the female condom can be used with oil and water based lubricants. When taking the condom out of its packets be sure not to tear it, sharp fingernails and jewellery can easily tear a condom. It is also very important that you check the expiry date. Thrush pessaries (creams used to treat thrush) can damage the femidom.
Why should I use them?
Like the male condom, female condoms will help protect you from unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are also other added advantages.
Female condoms are made of polyurethane, which means they are twice as strong as latex rubber male condoms, making them less likely to tear or split. And, because they're designed to gently line the vagina - there's no worry about using the right size.
They're also a good choice if you like sex to be totally spontaneous, as they can be inserted any time before you start making love.
Another bonus is that with a female condom the penis isn't restricted in any way. In fact once the female condom is in place, you probably won't be able to feel it at all.
Find out how to insert the female condom by clicking here.
How can I make sure it stays in place?
If you're not careful, female condoms may slip. You can avoid this by taking care to insert them correctly following the instructions on pack.
Where can I get them?
Female condoms are available from pharmacies.
Some content thanks to YouthHealthNE authors
