FEMALE
CONDOMS
History:
The female condom is a recent invention. The Reality condom
is currently on the only one on the market.
How
it works:
The female condom is a soft, loose fitting
tube made of polyurethane. It is 7.8 cm in diameter by 17
cm long, and has a soft flexible polyurethane ring on either
end. The closed end is inserted into the vagina and anchors
the condom; the other ring remains outside the vagina. The
external part of the condom protects some of the womanÕs
vulva and part of the base of the penis during sex. The
inside of the condom is coated with nonspermicidal lubricant,
and the condom comes with extra lubricant to use on the
outside. Each condom can only be used once, and is then
thrown away. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse.
The
female condom should NOT be used together with a male condom
as both devices may then slip off. The polyurethane material
of the condom is thinner than the latex of male condoms,
but is less likely to tear or break. Unlike latex condoms,
the female condom can be used with oil-based lubricants.
Couples in the FDA study of female condoms liked the device
and half would recommend it to friends. Only 7-8% of men
and women did not like it.
Who
Should and Should Not Use It:
If you are uncomfortable with inserting the condom into
your body, or may have trouble remembering to have it around
before sex, this may not be a good choice for you. You must
be comfortable with inserting your fingers and the device
deep into your vagina in order to properly use this device.
Otherwise, this is an excellent choice especially for non-monogamous
women or women who need protection against STDs, because
this method protects against STDs even better than male
condoms. Anyone at risk for an STD, with multiple sex partners,
or who may be in a non-mutually faithful relationship should
use a male or female condom for their own protection.
Summary of the Female Condom
| Effectiveness
(Failure Rate) |
Typical
Use: 21 pregnancies/100 women/year = 79% effective
Perfect
Use: 5 pregnancies/100 women/year = 95% effective
|
| Benefits |
STD
protectionÑincludes external genitalia protection
Low
Cost
Available
without prescription
|
| Risks |
If
you donÕt remember to use it on or bring it with you,
itÕs useless
Theoretical
risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (2 - 3 per 100,000) for
all women using vaginal barrier methods (diaphragm,
cervical cap, sponge, female condom)
|
|
STD
Protection
|
Very
good and second only to abstinence |
| How
to Get It |
Available
over-the-counter at pharmacies and markets. The only
brand currently available is Reality |
| Cost |
$1
to 3 per female condom
|
