Birth Control Methods: Condoms / Question
Published: October 17, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What does a female condom look like?
Signed: Info. On The Female Condom
Dear Info. On The Female Condom,
The female condom is a method of birth control that offers protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. It is a loose-fitting polyurethane sheath that fits inside the vagina and acts as a barrier during sex.
The female condom looks like a long tube with a closed end and open end. It has a soft ring at each end - the ring at the closed end is used to put the device inside the vagina over the cervix. This holds it in place during sex. The outer ring on the open end stays outside the vagina and partly covers the labia.
This method of birth control puts the female in charge. Before sex begins, the woman inserts the female condom with her fingers, much like a tampon. It is very important to read the instructions carefully first on the package. Also, it is a good idea to practice inserting the female condom once or twice, prior to having sex, so that you are familiar with how it works. Here are some basic instructions:
- Inspect the female condom and make sure it is completely lubricated on the outside and the inside. A lubricant comes in the female condom package.
- Hold the female condom at the closed end. Grasp the soft, flexible inner ring and squeeze it with your thumb and middle finger so it becomes long. Insert the inner ring into your vagina until your finger reaches the cervix. Place your index finger on the inside of the condom, and push the inner ring up as far as it will go. Be sure the female condom is not twisted. The outer ring remains on outside of your vagina.
- The female condom is now in place and ready for use with a partner. It lines the inner vagina.
- Be sure that there is enough lubrication on the penis and the inside of the female condom. Use a water-based lubricant, like KY or the bottle of lubricant made by Reality (the maker of female condoms). This will increase comfort and decrease noise. Guide the penis into the female condom and make sure that it is not entering to the side of the condom. If the condom is pulled out or pushed in, there is not enough lubricant. Add more to either the inside of the condom or the outside of the penis.
- When intercourse is finished, twist the outer ring and remove the female condom, and throw it away.
Some important notes about the female condom:
- DO NOT USE THE FEMALE CONDOM MORE THAN ONCE.
- Do NOT use a male condom with a female condom.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages. Try to consider them before deciding on any method of birth control and STD protection.
Advantages of the female condom:
- A female is in charge of this method of birth control that offers some STD protection. This is the only barrier method that allows the female to make the decision. This is particularly helpful when the male does not want to use condoms.
- It provides some protection against HIV and other STDs since it is a condom that covers and protects both the penis and vagina from semen and vaginal fluid.
- A female can insert it immediately before sex or up to eight hours before having intercourse.
- People with latex allergies can use this because it is made of polyurethane.
- It can be purchased over-the-counter.
Disadvantages of the female condom:
- It's more expensive than male condoms.
- It can be challenging to use because a female needs to feel comfortable touching her genital area in order to insert the female condom.
- It can be awkward to use because the outer ring must stay outside of the vagina during intercourse.
- In some women the vaginal area may become irritated.
- When the female condom and the penis do not have enough lubrication, the female condom can make strange sounds.
For more information, an actual picture and instructions on the female condom, please look at their website at The Female Health Company.
Consider all of your options before choosing one method of birth control. Look at the advantages and disadvantages of each in our question on "birth control". Also, go to a teen health center or Planned Parenthood to discuss your options. Lastly, always practice safer sex.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
A comprehensive review of pediatric trials conducted between 1988 and 2006 suggests that the benefits of antidepressant medications likely outweigh their risks to children and adolescents with major depressive and anxiety disorders.
