How to Use the New Female Condom (FC2)

Female condoms are the only contraceptive that allow a woman to protect herself from an unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, such as AIDS. Yet, many have often avoided using them because of their high cost compared to male condoms. Now, the FC2 condom is available to allow women to provide cost-effective protection during those risky encounters.

Unlike other female condoms on the market, the FC2 is made of synthetic rubber instead of polyurethane. Clinical studies have shown is it as effective as the female condoms that are currently available.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A partner, contraceptive

1. 
    

   Open the package with your hands. Be careful not to use anything sharp to open the package (including scissors, long fingernails, etc) as such action may accidentally pierce the condom.

2. 
    

   The smaller ring at the closed end of the female condom bends to help with insertion into the vagina and secures the device in place during intercourse. Women should try different positions such as lying down to insert the condom. The softer ring remains outside the vagina. Please refer to the female condom demonstration (compliments of You Tube) in Resources.

3. Female Health, the company that manufactures the FC2, made the following comments regarding disposal:
   
   "FC female condoms do not need to be removed immediately after a man ejaculates, unlike the male condom. But they should be taken out before the woman stands up to avoid having the semen spill out.
   
   1. The outer ring of FC should be twisted (clockwise) to seal the condom so that no semen comes out.
   2. FC can be pulled out and wrapped in the package it came in and/or in tissue.
   3. FC should be disposed of in waste containers and not in the toilet."

4. 
    
   The Female Condom Has Advantages Over Male Condoms

   A female condom has several advantages over a male condom. Unlike a male condom, oil or water-based lubricant can be used on the outside and inside of female condom. In addition, the female condom can be applied prior to intercourse, without interrupting foreplay. They also have a shelf-life of 5 years, which is considerably longer than male condoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with your health care provider about FC2's proper usage, as well as the best contraceptive option for your lifestyle.
• Studies show that the female condoms may need to be tried up to 3 times before users female comfortable using it during intercourse. It's best to practice inserting it before intercourse as it does require practice.
• Abstinence is the only 100% guaranteed method of avoiding pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Resources

• Female Health Company
• World Health Organization Information Update
• Female Condom Insertion Demonstration

[mommyhen42]

on 6/11/2009 That is great information Now women can be more proactive in their own sexual health. Where we used to have to rely on the man being willing to use a condom, now there is a choice.
Thank you

[brainflames]

on 4/26/2009 Hi! Thanks, for informing me about female condoms. I had no idea that such a thing existed, although I had heard of sponges when those were popular to use. Keep up the good work -- you write a lot of informative and useful articles!

[djackman]

on 4/21/2009 great article , me and my signifacnt other have been looking for a female condom thanks