Table of Contents
Most condoms come pre-lubricated. Lubricants can also be purchased and applied separately. Only water-based lubricants (K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, AquaLube, glycerin) should be used with latex condoms. Do not use petroleum jelly or other oil-based lubricant products as these can damage the condom. In general, it's best to use a pre-lubricated condom or to apply a water-based lubricant. Unlubricated condoms may injure vaginal tissue and make it vulnerable to infections.
Condom Materials. Condoms made of latex rubber are the most common types. They are less likely to slip or break than those made of polyurethane, and they are contoured for a better fit that can provide fairly effective protection. Some people are allergic to latex, however, and in some cases the reaction can be very dangerous. The latex smell may also be unpleasant for some people. Condoms made from animal membrane (such as lambskin) can prevent pregnancy, but they are permeable and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Female Condom
The female condom (Reality, Femidom) is a lubricated, loose-fitting pouch that lines the vagina. It is designed to create a physical barrier against sperm and sexually transmitted diseases by surrounding the penis during intercourse. The failure rate for the female condom is about the same as for the diaphragm and cervical cap. It is available without a prescription but may be hard to find. The female condom may be a good option for women at risk for sexually transmitted diseases and who are not certain that their male partner will use a condom.
Use and Insertion of the Female Condom. The female condom is about 3 inches wide and 6 - 7 inches long (larger than a male condom), with a flexible ring at both ends. Current products are made of polyurethane.
- The ring at the closed end is used to insert the device into the vagina and hold it in place over the cervix.
- The ring at the open end remains outside the vagina and partly covers the labia (lips).
The insertion process may seem difficult at first but becomes much easier with practice:
- The female condom is inserted by hand into the vagina up to 8 hours before intercourse. (It should never be used in combination with a male condom.)
- Although the female condom is prelubricated, extra lubricant is sometimes needed while inserting the device or during intercourse. (It is not made of latex, so oil lubricants will not harm it.)
- During intercourse, the woman checks to be sure that the outer ring is lying flat against her labia and then guides her partner's penis into the ring.
The female condom should be removed in the following circumstances:
- If it tears during insertion or use
- If the outer ring is pushed inside
- If it bunches up inside the vagina
Advantages of the Female Condom. The female condom is an effective barrier to viruses, including HIV, and other sexually transmitted organisms, particularly since it covers a large area, including external genitals. However, it does not completely protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
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Review Date: 09/28/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
