| Female Condom |
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How the Female Condom WorksThe female condom collects semen before, during, and after ejaculation and keeps sperm from entering the vagina.
How Well the Female Condom WorksOf 100 women who use female condoms, 21 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. Five will become pregnant with perfect use.
The female condom reduces the risk of many sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Advantages of Female CondomsThey can be purchased in drugstores and some supermarkets. No prescriptions or fittings are needed. Once learned, insertion is easy and may be done by a partner as part of sex play.
Female condoms allow women to share responsibility for preventing infection. They also stay in place whether or not a man maintains his erection. The external ring may stimulate the clitoris. Female condoms can be used with oil-based as well as water-based lubricants. And female condoms can be used by people who are allergic to latex. Who Can Use the Female CondomFemale condoms can be used by just about any woman who can use a tampon. This method may not be appropriate for women who are not comfortable touching their genitals or who may have other problems with insertion.
How the Female Condom Is UsedDetailed instructions for correct use are included in the packaging for the female condom. Be sure to read and understand them before you use it.
To insert the female condom, lubricate the closed end. Squeeze together the sides of the inner ring at the closed end of the condom and insert it into the vagina like a tampon. Push the inner ring into the vagina as far as it can go — until it reaches the cervix. Withdraw your finger and let the outer ring hang about an inch outside the vagina. During intercourse, movement of the condom from side to side is normal. Stop intercourse if the penis slips between the condom and the walls of the vagina or if the outer ring is pushed into the vagina. If ejaculation has not occurred, gently remove the condom from the vagina, add extra lubricant, and insert it once again. To remove the female condom, squeeze and twist the outer ring to keep semen inside the pouch. Gently pull it out of the vagina. Throw it away. Do not flush. Do not reuse. Possible Disadvantages of Female CondomsSome women may notice vaginal irritation using the female condom. It may slip into the vagina during intercourse. The outer ring may irritate the vulva. The inner ring may irritate the penis. Some people say that feeling is reduced. Others say that it is noisy.
How to Get Female Condoms and What They CostThe female condom is available at family planning clinics, drugstores, and some supermarkets. A female condom costs about $2.50. The cost in clinics or when authorized by a private doctor is covered by Medicaid in some states.             |
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