Factsheet
The Female Condom
Date 30 January 2009
How to use the Female Condom |
BASIC FACTS |
WHAT IS THE FEMALE CONDOM?
The Female Condom is like a large male condom (17cm long) with a flexible ring at each end - one end is closed and the other is open. Most regular condoms are made of latex (rubber), but the Female Condom is made of polyurethane which can make sex feel more pleasurable. It has its own silicone based lubricant. A woman wears a Female Condom in her vagina to prevent pregnancy. It also helps to protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) including HIV.
HOW DOES THE FEMALE CONDOM WORK?
It works by catching the semen (cum) when the man ejaculates. Then the sperm in the semen cannot travel up to meet an egg and start a pregnancy.
HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?
The Female Condom works well to prevent pregnancy. When used correctly every time it is 95% effective. To use it correctly, practise inserting it and checking it is in the right position at least three times before you need to use it.
WHO CAN USE A FEMALE CONDOM?
The Female Condom is made to fit all women and can be used by women of all ages.
HOW DO YOU GET FEMALE CONDOMS?
You can buy Female Condoms from Family Planning clinics and some sexual health clinics, women's health clinics and pharmacies also stock them.
HOW DO YOU USE THE FEMALE CONDOM?
The ring at the open end covers the area around the opening of the vagina. You use the inner ring to insert the Female Condom. It also helps to hold the Female Condom in place.
HOW TO INSERT THE FEMALE CONDOM
- Rub the sides of the Female Condom together to spread the lubricant.
- Hold the inner ring between your thumb and middle finger.
- Put your index finger on the pouch between your thumb and other fingers and squeeze the inner ring.
- Slide it into your vagina as far as it will go. Push up the front of the inner ring so it slips into place. When it is in the right place you cannot feel it. It cannot go in too far and it will not hurt!
- Make sure it is not twisted, and the outer ring is outside the vagina.
HOW TO REMOVE THE FEMALE CONDOM
After sex, remove the Female Condom before you stand up. Squeeze the outer ring and twist it. Pull the Female Condom out gently. Wrap it in tissues or a plastic bag and throw it in the rubbish bin, not in the toilet.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Each Female Condom can be used ONE TIME ONLY.
The Female Condom CANNOT be used with the male condom. This could make the female condom move out of place or the male condom could slip off.
If you forget to use the Female Condom or you feel that it has not worked properly, you can buy the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) from a pharmacy. The ECP can be used within 120 hours of unprotected sex to reduce the chance of getting pregnant.
For further information
- Contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886.
