Beyond Male Condoms: Exploring Female Condoms and Other Barrier Methods

Introducing Female Condoms as a Viable Alternative and Discussing Other Barrier Methods or Complementary Safe Sex Practices, Empowering Individuals With More Choices for Protection.

 

When we hear the word condom we almost immediately think of the familiar external contraceptive that men wear over their penis to prevent their sperm from escaping into their partner’s vagina when they ejaculate. The male condom has been with us since ancient times when natural materials like animal bladders were used. The materials have changed thankfully, but the basic male condom remains pretty much the same, and is the most common type of prophylactic in use. What a lot of people may be unaware of is that there are a variety of alternatives available!

One of the most exciting alternatives to the male condom may come as a surprise- did you know that there are also female condoms that offer another highly effective method of birth control? Also known as an internal condom, the female condom works by preventing the sperm from entering your body through your vagina or anus. Amazingly, the female condom fits inside your vagina or anus and is highly effective when it comes to protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as unwanted pregnancies.

So, how does a female condom work? External condoms are worn on the outside of a penis, or on sex toys and accessories, while an internal condom is worn on the inside of your vagina or anus. It is a kind of pouch made of nitrile, a soft, thin, plastic material that you can insert into your vagina or anus to protect yourself during sex. Your female condom has a flexible ring on each end, so you begin by squeezing the inner ring, which is the closed end, then slide it inside your vagina or anus as far as it can go.

The outer ring remains outside your vagina or anus and it’s a good idea to check once in a while to make sure that it hasn’t slipped down inside. The outer ring helps to protect the skin around your vagina and anus from contact, which reduces the risk of contracting an STI. The female condom places a barrier between the penis and the cervix that prevents sperm and any other bodily fluids from entering your body. If you’re using the female condom for anal sex, you can place the internal condom around a penis or a sex toy.

Female condoms have lubricant on both sides to make it easier and more comfortable to insert. Be careful not to let the condom become twisted when you insert it. After sex you can immediately twist the outer ring, then pull the condom gently out.

If you need to, you can insert your female condom up to eight hours before you have sex or wait until just right before. Female condoms come in only one size, they are similar to an external condom in length, but are a bit wider.

You may be wondering what wearing a female condom feels like? It may feel somewhat like the other barrier birth control methods that you place inside your body, such as a cervical cap or a diaphragm. At first it might feel like something is stuck inside you, but that feeling will go away in a few minutes. Female condoms all come pre-lubricated, but some people find it helpful to add more silicone, or a water-based lubricant, when you insert it to make it easier so you will feel more comfortable.

Female condoms are designed for one-time use. You should throw it away right after you have sex, never try to reuse one because it might break, leak, or slip in! If you decide to have sex again or to switch to a different type of sex, like from vaginal to anal, you should use a new one.

Female condoms are an exciting alternative to male condoms, so why not give one a try?  As always,  enjoy your sex safely!