The female condom is a disposable, soft, loose-fitting polyurethane sheath that is designed to line the walls of the vagina and prohibit sperm from staying in the woman’s body. It has a ring at each end that is similar to the ring found on a diaphragm. One ring is sealed shut, and is placed snugly over the woman’s cervix. A larger ring secures the sheath outside the vagina. The condoms are lubricated both inside and out, and may be lubricated with spermicide to decrease pregnancy risk. Condoms lubricated with nonoxynol-9 should be avoided because the lubricant can cause small tears that increase the risk of STD transmission.

How is it used?

There is currently one female condom on the market, which is called Reality. These condoms can be purchased without a prescription and cost about $2.50 each. To be effective, the condom must be inserted prior to any genital contact and can be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse. Female and male condoms should not be used together as they can adhere to each other and cause one or both to slip out of position.

Is it effective?

In typical use, the female condom has a 79% effectiveness rate, indicating that during one year of routine condom use, 21 women of 100 will become pregnant.

What are some of the side effects?

Allergies to the material of the condom are possible, as are allergies to spermicidal lubricants. All in all, though, when compared with most methods of contraception, the side effects of using a female condom are minimal.

References:
Strong, Bryan, Christine DeVault, Barbara W. Sayad, and William L. Yarber. Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America. 5th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2005 (362-364).