Birth Control Options for Women - Spermicidal and Barrier Contraception

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.

The female condom may be the best option for women at risk for sexually transmitted diseases and who are not certain that their male partner will use a condom. There are virtually no obstacles against its use except a negative psychological perception. It is not completely fail-proof against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

Advantages of the Female Condom. In one study, 75% of the women preferred the female to the male condom. Many men also find it more appealing than the latex male condom. The female condom has a number of advantages over the male condom:

The female condom is an effective barrier to viruses, including HIV, and other sexually transmitted organism, particularly since it covers a large area, including external genitals. However, there are few clinical studies at this time to determine its protection against sexually transmitted diseases. No contraceptive device is fool proof.
The standard female condom is made of polyurethane, which is thin and soft but at the same time 40% stronger than the latex male condoms. Polyurethane is not damaged by lubricating oils, as latex is and is also less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It transmits body heat better than latex, providing a more "natural" sensation, and possibly enhancing the pleasure of the sexual act.
The man does not have to withdraw his penis immediately after ejaculation, as is the case with the male condom, but can, if he wishes, withdraw after he has lost his erection.

Disadvantages and Complications of the Female Condom. Compliance rates are low for many reasons. About 25% of women have difficulty on the first attempt at self-insertion. Some women are distressed by self-insertion. The inner ring may be uncomfortable for some women (in which case it can be removed). Some couples complain that the female condom is unpleasant to look at and can be noisy during intercourse. Without sufficient lubrication, it can also be pushed out of place by the penis. Using more lubricant can help keep the female condom in place and reduce the noise. Female condoms are also expensive (about $3.00 each) and some women wash them out and reuse them to save money. (In such cases, they should be disinfected first and then washed carefully.) Repeated washings can increase the risk for damage and holes. It is not known how many rewashings are safe.