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How to Use a Female Condom

Topic Overview

The female condom is a tube of soft plastic with a closed end. Both ends have a ring or rim. The ring at the closed end is inserted deep into the vagina over the cervix, like a diaphragm, to hold the tube in place. The ring at the open end remains outside the opening of the vagina.

A new female condom is used with each act of sexual intercourse. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse. A female condom contains lubricant on the inside—it is not used with spermicide.

Do not use a female condom at the same time as a male condom. The female condom is removed immediately after intercourse, before the woman gets up. The outside ring is twisted to close off the condom and hold the semen inside before the condom is removed.

How effective is it?

A female condom may prevent sexually transmitted infection, depending on how carefully you use it.1, 2

Among the average population of female condom users, 21 per 100 become pregnant in one year.1, 2

References

Citations

  1. Trussell J (2007). Choosing a contraceptive: Efficacy, safety, and personal considerations. In RA Hatcher et al., eds., Contraceptive Technology, 19th ed., pp. 19–47. New York: Ardent Media.
  2. Abramowicz M (2007). Choice of contraceptives. Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 5(64): 101–108.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised December 8, 2010

Last Revised: December 8, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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