Female condoms may be inserted into the vagina up to 8 hours before vaginal sex.
To
insert the female condom, lubricate the closed end. Squeeze together
the sides of the inner ring at the closed end of the condom and insert
it into the vagina like a tampon. Push the inner ring into the vagina
as far as it can go, until it goes past the pubic bone and reaches the
cervix. Make sure the condom is not twisted. Withdraw your finger and
let the outer ring hang about an inch outside the vagina.
During
vaginal sex, movement of the condom from side to side is normal. Stop
intercourse if the penis slips between the condom and the walls of the
vagina or if the outer ring is pushed into the vagina.
After
vaginal sex, squeeze and twist the outer ring of the condom in order to
keep all fluids in the condom. Gently pull the condom out and throw it
away.
Each female condom should only be used once.
Available over the counter
Helps protect against STI’s and HIV/AIDS
Has few health risks
Can be used by people allergic to latex
No hormonal side effects
Can be used with oil and water-based lubricants
Erection is not necessary to keep condom in place
Does not affect future fertility
Sometimes difficult to insert or use
Does not contain spermicide
Can break or leak
Noticeable and possibly noisy during sex
About 3 times more expensive than male condoms
