Female condoms, also known as internal condoms, are latex or polyurethane sheaths inserted into the vagina or anal cavity for contraception and STD protection. For correct insertion, lubrication is necessary to prevent discomfort or injury. Over the thigh, the inner ring is slipped in first, followed by the outer ring. Once in place, it creates a barrier against sperm and pathogens. Key benefits include:
1. Reduced risk of STDs and unplanned pregnancies.
2. Provides control to women, independent of male cooperation.
3. Abdominal pressure or bowel movements shouldn’t displace the condom.
4. Can be reused for up to five hours with a new one inserted whenever necessary.
5. Available without prescription, broadening accessibility.
Remember to check expiration dates, and consider regular replacement every five years for optimal safety. Proper education on usage is essential for maximizing benefits.
The female condom is a barrier method of contraception which is still not well known in Italy, which is why some women are still somewhat reluctant to use it.
Let’s find out more together what it is, how to use it and its benefits.
What is a female condom?
Source: 123RF
In Italy, the female condom was initially found only in polyurethane, viz. a soft and thin plastic material, more durable than latex. Today, however, there is another type made of nitrile, a latex derivative. It is a durable sheath 17 cm long, with a flexible ring on both ends, one open and the other closed.
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If used correctly Has the same effectiveness as other contraceptive methods, since it is a barrier method it allows protection from both unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it is not readily available in our country, you can find it in some pharmacies, sexyshops, on the Internet or you can contact one of the LILA offices, the Italian League for the Fight against AIDS.
As in the case of the classic male condom a prescription is not necessary by the doctor, however, it has a higher cost.
How to use it correctly?
The correct application of the female condom may not be immediate and may require some practice for the woman, so it is advisable to Make attempts before using it during sexual intercourse to learn how to wear it correctly.
First of all, it is important check the expiration date found on the package. To avoid damaging it, it is best to open it carefully and avoid the use of scissors or other sharp objects and be careful not to scratch it with your fingernail when inserting it.
To insert it properly, it is necessary to know your own body and practice learning how to position it in the right way: with experience, its application will become easier and more spontaneous. It should be inserted into the vagina before intercourse, so as to avoid direct contact between male and female genitalia.
L’inner ring is used to insert the condom and helps keep it in the correct position; one must hold the sheath by the closed end and squeeze the inner ring between the thumb and forefinger or middle finger and then insert it into the vagina. L’outer ring is soft and should remain outside the vagina during intercourse and cover the vulva, which is the outermost part of the female genitals. At the time of penetration one must ensure that the penis is inserted correctly inside the female condom and not between the sheath and the vaginal wall.
The female condom is already lubricated with a silicone-based product with no spermicidal effect, additional lubricants, either water-based or oil-based, can be used. It is important to remember that should not be used together with the male condom, as it may promote the risk of rupture.
What are the advantages?
Condom use has multiple advantages. First of all, it makes it possible to Experience safe intercourse and with more serenity: the fear of unwanted pregnancy or contracting sexually transmitted infections can interfere psychologically with the experience of sexual experience, partly depriving one of pleasure.
Practices such as coitus interruptus risk interfering with the pleasure experienced during intercourse since before ejaculation it is necessary to interrupt penetration, preventing the two partners from letting go and fully surrendering to the experience.
Among its many benefits, the female condom also:
- allows women to to manage their sexuality themselves and freely, the woman can then decide to have protected sexual intercourse without having to depend on the man;
- can be inserted into the vagina even before intercourse, a feature that allows her not to have to interrupt the act and to maintain greater spontaneity during intercourse;
- has no side effects;
- in the case of nitrile and polyurethane, it is resistant to heat and moisture and is therefore easily stored;
- does not depend on male erection and does not need to be removed immediately after intercourse, unlike male erection, which requires immediate removal of the penis after ejaculation.
The options for protecting oneself nowadays are numerous, this allows one to choose the birth control method that each of us prefers and feels comfortable with, so that we can live responsibly and peacefully with one’s sexuality.
It is possible that, in case of rupture or incorrect insertion, you may not have full coverage from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. In these cases, the morning-after pill can be used to reduce the risk of possible conception, and it is recommended that you consult your family doctor as soon as possible to perform investigations regarding possible infection.
