FEMALE CONDOM
Barrier Method
A female condom is a sheath that is placed inside a woman’s vagina before sexual intercourse.
79 % Effective
Details
The female condom is a thin latex sheath that fits loosely inside your vagina. It has a flexible ring at the closed end of the condom to help insert it, and another ring at the open end to hold part of the condom outside the vagina. The female condom works by forming a barrier to sperm out of the vagina, preventing pregnancy. Also helps protect you and your partner from possible infection.
When used correctly every time you have sex, the female condom is around 95% effective in preventing pregnancy.
How to
The female condom needs to be put into the vagina before sex. You insert it almost like a tampon by squeezing the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom and putting it into the vagina. The large ring at the open end of the condom must cover the area around the opening of the vagina. The penis needs to go into the female condom, and not between it and the vagina. After sex, the female condom must be removed immediately by gently pulling it out. Twisting with a large ring will help prevent semen from leaking out. It may not be reused and needs to be thrown away.
Pros
It is an effective form of contraception when used properly
It protects both partners from sexually transmitted infections
It is used on demand
It is not affected by other medications
Cons
It may interrupt sex
They are not widely available
It takes practice to insert it correctly
May split or tear if not used properly
Side Effects
There are no known side effects, though some people may be allergic to latex
Frequently Asked Questions
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Female condoms are made from soft, thin synthetic latex or latex. They're worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting to the womb.
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It provides women with an additional choice to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and unintended pregnancies. It is not intended as a replacement for the male condom but rather as an additional option for both women and men.
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A female condom is similar in length to a male condom. However, it is wider than a male condom as, once inserted, it lines the walls of the vagina and allows for movement of the penis inside the sheath. It also provides extra protection by covering part of the external female genitalia and the base of the penis.
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The female condom does not interfere with menstruation and can therefore be used. However, the female condom should be inserted just before intercourse and removed soon after.
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You can use the female condom when you are pregnant since the condom doesn’t move beyond the cervix. You can also use female condom after recently giving birth.
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The female condom can be inserted in advance of sexual intercourse and does not need to be taken out immediately after intercourse.
CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS
CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS
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CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
1 or 2 small hormone-releasing silicone rods placed under the skin by a healthcare provider.
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CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
The contraceptive injection is a shot of hormones that lasts for 1 up to 3 months.
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CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
A patch that sticks to the skin and releases hormones that are highly effective at stopping pregnancy.
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CONTRACEPTIVE RING
A flexible plastic ring that is placed in the vagina by the woman and constantly releases hormones.
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DIAPHRAGM
A diaphragm is a small dome that blocks the entrance to the cervix to stop sperm from entering the womb.
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EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
Emergency contraceptives are hormone-based pills that are used in the event of accidental unprotected sex.
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FERTILITY AWARENESS
Fertility awareness is the method of only having sex on the non-fertile days of your menstrual cycle.
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INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
An IUD is a small, flexible, often T-shaped device wrapped in copper that is placed inside your womb by your healthcare provider.
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INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
An IUS is a small, flexible, T-shaped system that releases low levels of hormones and is placed inside the womb by your healthcare provider.
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MALE CONDOM
A condom is a thin film sheath that is placed over a man’s erect penis before having sex.
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PULL-OUT METHOD
Pulling out (also called Withdrawal Method) requires no additional hormones or devices, just impeccable timing and a lot of luck.
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SPERMICIDES
Spermicides affect the way sperm travels in the womb making it hard for them to move freely and fertilize an egg.
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SPONGE
A sponge blocks the entrance to the cervix and releases spermicide, both together stopping sperm from entering the womb and fertilizing an egg.
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STERILISATION
Sterilisation is the process of completely taking away the body’s ability to reproduce through surgery or minimal invasion.
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THE PILL
The pill is a small tablet containing hormones that must be swallowed every day, at the same time.
