The female condom , advantage , disadvantage , precaution - Health Tips

Mechanism of action

Female condom

A female condom is a thin, loose-fitting and flexible plastic tube worn inside the vagina. It has inner and outer rings. A soft ring at the closede end of the tube covers the cervix during intercourse and holds it inside the vagina . Another ring at the open end of the tube stays outside the vagina and partlycovers the lip area. The female condom helps protect partners from pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS. It is the only female-controlled device offering this protection. Like the male condom, the female condom provides a barrier between partners during sexual intercourse, to prevent the sharing of bodily fluids, like semen and blood. This ensures that pregnancy does not occur, and STIs are not transmitted.

FemlFe condom

How to use a female condom

Female condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse, and are only effective when placed prior to intercourse. At first, female condoms can be uncomfortable to use, but they become easier with practice. Note that a female condom and a male condom should not be used at the same time because this can cause friction that may lead to slipping or tearing of the condoms.

To insert the condom , the woman has to squeeze the ring at the closed end of the tube. She can use her other hand to spread the outer lips, and insert the squeezed condom into the vaginal canal. The inner ring should be pushed just past the pubic bone and over the cervix. After insertion, she has to make sure the condom is not twisted. About one inch of the open end will stay outside the body. The outer ring of the female condom needs to be held in place during intercourse. After intercourse, she has to squeeze and twist the outer ring to keep all fluids, including sperm, inside the condom, and gently pull it out and throw it away . 

Advantages and disadvantages of female condoms

Advantages

Female and male condoms have many advantages in common. However, the following advantages are specific to female condoms.

.Unlike the male condom, erection is not necessary to keep the condomi n place.

Female condoms do not reduce a male partner’s stimulation.

Female condoms can be used by people who are known to be sensitive tol atex because, while most male condoms are made of latex, femalec condoms are made of plastic, which rarely causes an allergic reaction.

Disadvantages

These are the most common disadvantages of the female condom:

Female condoms make a noticeable sound during sexual intercourse.

It is sometimes difficult to insert or use, and some women can have difficulty on the first attempt at self-insertion . 

It can break or leak.

It is much more expensive than a male condom.