Female condom

Regardless of which side of the political aisle you generally stand on, we can all agree that reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections are good things. 

If you're looking for a constructive solution besides a male condom, why not try a female condom?

On March 11th of this year, the FDA approved a lower-cost second generation female condom. 

What does this mean?  The FC2 female condom, manufactured by the Chicago-based Female Health Company, is a more affordable and user-friendly version of its predecessor, the FC Female Condom.

The new FC2 female condom is a latex-free nitrile pouch that fits inside a woman's vagina. It has a soft ring on each end. The outer ring stays on the outside of the vagina and partly covers the labia (lips). The inner ring fits on the inside of the vagina, somewhat like a diaphragm, to hold the condom in place.

Insert the condom any time before the penis touches the vagina. Add lubricant to the inside of the condom. Squeeze the inner ring of the condom. Put the inner ring and pouch inside the vagina.

With your finger, push the inner ring as far into the vagina as it will go. The outer ring stays outside the vagina. Guide the penis into the condom. Remove the condom before standing up. Pull out gently.

FAQs about the Female Condom

Questions you may have about the proper use of female condoms:

Q:  Will a female condom always protect against pregnancy and STIs?

A:  No method besides abstinence is 100% effective.  But if you are sexually active, latex condoms for men are highly effective at preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, if used properly.  If you are not going to use a male condom, you can use a non-latex female condom to help protect yourself and your partner.

Q:   How do I know when the female condom is up far enough?

A:  Using your index finger, push the device so that the lower ring of the device is against the pubic bone.  You will find the pubic bone by curving your index finger when it is a couple of inches inside the vagina.

Q:  The outer ring is pushed inside my vagina.  What do I do?

A:  STOP.  Remove the female condom. Insert a new condom according the directions. This problem can occur if there isn’t enough lubricant or if the inner ring isn’t in the proper position.

Q:  Is the female condom noisy during sex?

A:  If properly lubricated, there should be little noise.  If you experience noise during sex, add additional lubricant.  The newer version of the female condom has been improved to decrease noise. 

Q:  Will I feel the female condom once it is in place?

A:  Some women may feel the condom and some may not if it is properly in place and adequately lubricated.

Q:  Will the condom break while I am using it?

A:  Studies show that female condoms rip or tear less than 1% of the time.  If you think your condom has broken, ripped, or torn, STOP having sex, remove it right away, and insert a new female condom.

Q:  What does the outer ring feel like during sex?

A:  While aware that the outer ring is there, most women say that once they become comfortable with how it looks, they forget about it and don't feel the ring during sex.

Q:  What do I do if the condom does not stay in place during sex?

A:  If condom moves around the vagina causing discomfort, either push it back up or remove the condom. If you push it back up, add lubricant. If you remove it, use a new one and add extra lubricant.

Q:  Where can I buy female condoms in Salt Lake City?

A:  Female condoms are not typically sold in grocery stores or discount stores.  Try local businesses like Blue Boutique--they've got a terrific selection of condoms at great prices.