Tag Archives: female condom

Considering the Female Condom


Posted on December 5, 2012 by

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We’re happy to welcome in Dave from theohface.com, a blog that discusses sex, gender and sexuality issues from a sex positive perspective. His mission is to help create safe spaces for dialogue about these issues and to diminish the stigma surrounding them. Look out for more posts from him in 2013; he’ll be guest posting monthly about sexual health from a male perspective.

Today, he’s asking why people don’t use the female condom:

Female CondomThe female condom (FC) is a strange and altogether unsexy looking thing. It’s big and shapeless and even a bit intimidating. But to be fair, the male condom isn’t particularly sexy looking either. So why is it that so few people use the female condom?

There are some really great reasons for women to consider using the female condom. They are the only HIV/STI prevention device that puts the power of protection squarely in the hands of women. The traditional condom is often the male partner’s responsibility to supply and apply before sex. Not all men have adequate condom education and this can lead to improper application and higher risk of STI transmission and pregnancy.

One of the most common complaints about the FC is the unsightly ring that hangs out around the vulva. This ring, however, is an effective form of HPV and Herpes prevention. HPV and Herpes are both spread through skin-skin contact and traditional condoms do nothing to prevent this. It has also been reported that, during intercourse, this ring can be a source of pleasure as it creates friction against the clitoris.

The other main barrier keeping people from using the female condom is that they just don’t know how to use it. Women who are considering using the FC are encouraged to go to their local clinic or drug store and pick up a few to take home and become familiar with. Learning how to insert it and remove it from one’s own body and becoming comfortable with the female condom can be a big step for women wanting to take control of their sexual health.

Female condoms empower women to be in complete control of their own STI prevention. Like all new things, it may take some time to get used to. Women wanting to use the FC may have to educate their partners and perhaps even face some resistance about using them, but few things are quite as sexy as an STI test that comes back negative. Educate yourself about the Female Condom, go out and grab a couple, talk to your friends or partners about them. Fear of the unknown shouldn’t prevent you from being as safe as possible while enjoying your sex life.

A Condom for Females? Yes, Indeed!


Posted on January 2, 2012 by

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Female CondomThe Female Condom (FC) was approved by the FDA in 1993 to help prevent pregnancy and STIs. The FC has been distributed in 77 countries throughout Africa, Latin and South America, Australia, Asia, and several countries in Europe. It was invented to empower women with another form of protection as an alternative to a male condom.

How do you use it?

Rub the outsides of the pouch together to ensure the proper amount of lubricant is spread over the condom. Then locate the arrow at the right-hand corner of the pouch and tear the package open. Examine the condom to make sure it is not damaged. Sit or lay down to insert the Female Condom (FC) and follow the diagram seen below.

Diagram for insertion of female condom

What are the benefits to using it?

      • It can be inserted several hours ahead of time
      • It is made of nitrile (a non-latex material) for individuals who are allergic or don’t like the smell of latex
      • It conducts heat better than latex
      • The manufacture claims it feels more natural because it clings to the walls of the vagina and fits loosely around the penis.
      • The ring on the outside of the condom covers more of the vulva which gives her and her partner more protection from skin-to-skin STIs.
      • The ring may rub against the clitoris creating more pleasure for the woman wearing it.
      • The condom can stay in, even if her partner loses his erection
      • Unlike male condoms, heat will not destroy FC’s
      • Lubrication can be water-based, silicone based, or oil based
      • Women can protect themselves with an FC when their partner does not want to use a male condom
      • The condom can be used for anal sex (though it is only approved by the FDA for vaginal sex)

Try another option to keep yourself safe this year – try the female condom!